Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa responded to Hansi Flick's comment after Barcelona's defeat in Copa del Rey
Thursday produced a historic night in Spanish soccer that curiously did not involve Real Madrid or Álvaro Arbeloa. However, the manager became the focus of a follow-up story after answering a question about Barcelona’s 4-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals with an ironic comment aimed at Hansi Flick.
It was the German manager who landed the first jab before the match. He was asked about his team’s easy path in the competition, which included clubs from lower divisions. Flick answered sarcastically, “ask Real Madrid,” reminding the questioner that Real Madrid had lost to Real Albacete in the quarterfinals.
Arbeloa used a journalist’s question about Barcelona appearing more defeatable at today’s press conference with perfect timing. The manager delivered a short but clear message directed at Flick: “There’s nothing to say about the match. Ask Barcelona and Flick.”
Arbeloa’s approach to internal competitiveness at Real Madrid
Real Madrid has long been the club where many great players end up at some point in their careers. Although players like Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius seem like obvious starters, that is not necessarily how the manager views things.
Arbeloa stressed the importance of having everyone ready for any match. At a club of this size, the differences between players are often smaller than at other teams.
The manager said, “The 11 I put on the field are the best for the match. Then I have 15 more players. As a friend says, ‘here the worst is as good as the rest.’ Everyone knows opportunities will come, and the players are working hard. I’m very lucky. I like everyone to feel important.”
Arbeloa on the criticism
Being at arguably the biggest club in the world comes with many responsibilities. So far, Real Madrid’s performances have not met fans’ expectations. The manager addressed the criticism he faces when the team is not good enough.
Arbeloa said his experience as a player at the club helps him handle the voices pointing out mistakes: “I’m new in this chair, but not at Real Madrid. Very few things surprise me.”
Liga MX schedule Liga MX is one of the most popular soccer leagues in North America, and for fans in the United States, there are multiple ways to catch all the action. Whether you prefer watching on TV or streaming online, this guide provides the latest information on where to watch every Liga MX match […]
Liga MX schedule
Liga MX is one of the most popular soccer leagues in North America, and for fans in the United States, there are multiple ways to catch all the action. Whether you prefer watching on TV or streaming online, this guide provides the latest information on where to watch every Liga MX match in 2026.
Liga MX TV Channels in the USA
Different broadcasters hold the rights to Liga MX matches depending on the teams playing at home. Here’s a breakdown of which networks air each club’s home games:
In August 2025, CBS Sports and TelevisaUnivision announced a sublicense agreement to show select Liga MX matches in English in the U.S. The deal runs through May 2026 and includes at least 40 regular-season games plus playoff (Liguilla) matches.
Best Streaming Services for Liga MX in the USA
For cord-cutters, several streaming platforms offer Liga MX coverage. Here’s a comparison of the best services:
DirecTV Stream
For those wanting a traditional TV experience with streaming flexibility, DirecTV Stream offers Univision, TUDN, and Fox Sports.
Fubo is a solid option for Liga MX fans, offering Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes, ESPN, Telemundo, and Universo. However, it does not provide access to matches aired on Univision, UniMás, or TUDN, meaning it does not cover all Liga MX games. Be sure to check team-specific broadcasts before subscribing.
Peacock
Peacock streams Chivas home games, along with Telemundo and Universo, streaming all matches aired on Telemundo and Universo.
ViX
ViX is TelevisaUnivision’s official streaming platform, featuring live Liga MX matches from Univision networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best streaming service for Liga MX?
If you want the most coverage, Fubo and DirecTV Stream are the top choices, offering the widest range of networks.
Does Fubo still have Univision and TUDN?
No, as of December 2024, Fubo no longer carries Univision, UniMás, or TUDN. However, it still offers Fox Sports, ESPN, Telemundo, and Universo for Liga MX coverage.
About Liga MX
What is Liga MX?
Liga MX is the top professional soccer league in Mexico, consisting of 18 teams that compete in two annual tournaments: the Apertura (July–December) and the Clausura (January–May). The league is widely regarded as one of the strongest in the Americas, attracting top talent from across the continent.
Liga MX Format and Playoffs
Each tournament features a regular season where all teams play 17 matches. The top 10 teams advance to the Liguilla (playoffs), where they compete for the championship. The top six teams qualify directly, while teams ranked 7th to 10th play a knockout round for the remaining spots.
Promotion and Relegation
Unlike many leagues worldwide, Liga MX currently does not have automatic relegation and promotion. Instead, a financial compensation system is in place for the team that finishes last in the three-year coefficient table.
Liga MX vs. MLS: The Growing Rivalry
Liga MX has long been the dominant league in North America, but in recent years, Major League Soccer (MLS) has closed the gap. This has led to increased competition in events like the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup, where Mexican and American clubs face off.
How did Liga MX come to be?
A professional national league did not come into being until 1943. The majority of its members hailed from the Primera Fuerza, the league in Mexico City. However, 10 clubs were selected to comprise the new Liga Mayor, even though some teams appealed to the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).
A few teams joined from the Primera Fuerza, the Liga Occidental De Jalisco, the Liga Amateur de Veracruz, and others. These included Club America, Asturias, Atlante, Real España, and Marte. But the league didn’t start to take off until the 1950s when Mexico became a major player in international soccer.
Liga MX teams like Club America and Chivas de Guadalajara established themselves as early dominant forces, paving the way for the league to grow into a Latin American superpower.
When Mexico hosted the 1970 World Cup, the league saw a remarkable boom. The FMF modernized the national league structure to reflect the resurgence of interest in the sport.
Liga MX: 21st century and modern history
A young Chicaharito was a breakout star in Liga MX
Both the quantity and quality of teams competing in Liga MX grew substantially over the twentieth century. As the league developed, it introduced a new playoff system called the “Liguilla”. This has made the end of each season even more exciting. Hugo Sanchez and Cuauhtemoc Blanco were just two of the Mexican players who started to make waves on the world scene.
Fans of Mexican soccer have much to be proud of with Liga MX, but the league hasn’t been perfect. Many obstacles have challenged the league’s endurance, including economic hardships, match-fixing scandals, and the rare problem of fan violence. Nevertheless, Liga MX has often shown its resilience, guaranteeing that Mexican soccer will continue to grow and progress.
Premier League TV schedule Browse the Premier League TV schedule for the most up-to-date EPL listings. Games listed are shown across U.S. television and streaming. Coverage spans several channels. Watch soccer today on NBC Sports, Peacock Premium, DirecTV Stream, and Sling Blue, and others. Watch the Premier League on DirecTV Stream: This page continues to […]
Premier League TV schedule
Browse the Premier League TV schedule for the most up-to-date EPL listings. Games listed are shown across U.S. television and streaming. Coverage spans several channels. Watch soccer today on NBC Sports, Peacock Premium, DirecTV Stream, and Sling Blue, and others.
Twenty teams compete in this league, which is directly affiliated with the English Football League (EFL) and uses a promotion and relegation system. The three worst-performing Premier League clubs are sent down, while the three best-performing EFL Championship clubs are promoted to the Premier League.
Every club plays 38 games throughout the season, normally from August to May. Saturday and Sunday afternoons are the most common playing times, with some weeknight games sprinkled throughout.
During a Premier League season, each club will play each other club twice. The victors get three points toward their overall rankings while the losers receive nothing. Because there are no playoffs in the Premier League, the club that finishes with the most points wins the title.
Each year, the best four clubs in terms of points total enter the UEFA Champions League competition the following year. It is a yearly competition amongst the continent’s top soccer clubs, each based on domestic achievement.
Origins and poor state of league
The league is new, having been conceived in the late 1980s in reaction to the decline of the sport in the UK. English club soccer had been struggling prior to the advent of the Premier League. Low attendance was not the only reason, the league also had a bad reputation for hooligans.
Due to a lack of agreement, the 1985-86 season began without television coverage for the league. Major teams in the nation at the time were talking about forming their own league.
After the tragedy at the 1985 European Cup Tournament at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, venues were neglected and English soccer teams were barred from competing in Europe.
The new league would not be affiliated with the Football League. Nonetheless, it would remain a component of the league structure, with the worst-finishing Premier League clubs relegated to the second level and the best teams from the second level being promoted to the top division.
In the early 1990s, there was a turning point for English soccer as the national team reached the semi-finals in the 1990 World Cup. Additionally, UEFA lifted the five-year ban on European competitions during the same year. Since then, the English game has experienced significant growth and is now considered the most-watched sports league worldwide.
English Premier League teams in the early 1990s felt the sport of soccer required a major overhaul for the sport’s long-term success. Thus, on 17 July 1991, the Founder Members Agreement was signed, formalizing the foundational ideas upon which the Premier League would be built.
The 22 teams of the First Division collectively withdrew from the Football League on February 20, 1992. On May 27, 1992, the Premier League was incorporated as a limited liability company.
New league to save English soccer
In light of the game’s potential success, new deals were struck with television networks. Sky was awarded the broadcasting rights, and they promptly made the show a five-hour event. The idea was heavily inspired by the American National Football League’s TV broadcasts, which included the introduction of Monday Night Soccer.
Even though signing the initial TV agreement with pay-TV broadcaster BSkyB was a bold choice at the time, Sky has been there every step of the way and has been instrumental in taking the Premier League to where it is now. The first season of the Premier League kicked off on Saturday, August 15, 1992, with 22 teams.
Inaugural season and 90s action
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Everton, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Oldham Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wimbledon were the 22 founding clubs of the new Premier League.
Six of these teams—Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur—have never missed a season in the Premier League.
In the first 1992-93 EPL season, Manchester United won the championship under the direction of manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils’ supremacy would continue to grow from here, with this triumph serving as the catalyst for a string of subsequent championships.
The Premier League was always intended to be comprised of just 20 teams. In the 1994-95 season, four teams were demoted and two had been promoted, trimming the number of teams.
The new league wasted little time in upgrading stadium amenities, securing rich broadcast and sponsorship agreements, and luring some of the best players and coaches in the world.
Rise of “Big Four”
After Liverpool and Arsenal’s ascent to serious competition in the 2000s, Chelsea won the Premier League in 2004-05 to break the duopoly. As a result of their consistent domination, the “Big Four” clubs—Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United—spent most of the decade at or near the top of the league standings and automatically qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
During this time, just three more clubs qualified for the tournament. Arsenal earned the moniker “The Invincibles” during the 2003-04 season when the team became the first and, to this day, the only club to go the whole Premier League season unbeaten.
“Big Four” turning into “Big Six”
By consistently cracking the top four, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City turned the “Big Four” into the “Big Six” in the years after 2009. After Everton had done so five years earlier, Tottenham finally made it into the top four in the 2009-10 season.
However, the disparity between the “super clubs” and the rest of the Premier League has been criticized for continuing to widen as those teams have become more financially stable and successful. Since Blackburn Rovers in 1994-95, no team outside of the “Big Four” won the league until Manchester City in 2011-12. Leicester City in 2016 is the only smaller club other than Blackburn to win the EPL.
The “Big Six” teams have substantial wealth and influence off the field. They have argued that they are entitled to a larger cut of the pie because of the higher worldwide prominence of their clubs and the beautiful soccer they strive to play. Other clubs say the league’s future prosperity depends on the current revenue-sharing system, which serves to keep the league competitive.
TV rights and financial power
The Premier League has the largest potential television viewership of any sports league, at 4.7 billion people worldwide. It is televised in 212 countries to 643 million households. The Premier League’s worldwide popularity is largely due to the league’s financial might.
The league’s local and international TV rights agreements have routinely set new highs, providing teams with a reliable revenue stream. Since the Premier League teams are so well-off, they can compete for the best players in the world.
As of 2023, the Premier League is placed first in the UEFA coefficient rankings based on results in European tournaments over the preceding five seasons, ahead of Spain’s La Liga. Six English teams have won a record fifteen European championships. This makes the English Premier League the second most successful in terms of producing European Cup / UEFA winners.
Inclusion of other British clubs
There have been some non-English teams that have had significant impacts in this competition throughout the years. The Premier League has benefited greatly from the addition of these foreign teams, who have brought with them their own distinct playing styles, excellent players, and devoted fan bases.
Swansea City’s elevation to the EPL in 2011 was the first time a Welsh team has played in the English top flight. On August 20, 2011, Swansea City hosted Wigan Athletic at the Liberty Stadium, making it the first Premier League game played outside of England.
The presence of Welsh clubs in the Premier League grew to two during the 2013-14 season with the inclusion of Cardiff City. However, following Cardiff City’s relegation after the 2018-19 season, there are currently no Welsh clubs participating in the Premier League.
Some Scottish and Irish teams have sometimes been considered for promotion to the Premier League, although this has never come to fruition. In 1998, Wimbledon almost succeeded in moving to Dublin, Ireland, after receiving permission from the Premier League to do so, but the effort was thwarted by the Football Association of Ireland.
Weston McKennie has emerged as a surprise target for Milan as the club explores potential midfield reinforcements after the 2026 World Cup, and two familiar figures could quietly influence the decision, Christian Pulisic and Massimiliano Allegri.
Weston McKennie has emerged as a surprise target for Milan as the club explores potential midfield reinforcements after the 2026 World Cup. With his contract situation unresolved and his market value rising, speculation is intensifying over a possible move that could reshape both his career and Milan’s midfield structure. In the background, two familiar figures could quietly influence the decision, Christian Pulisicand Massimiliano Allegri, adding a compelling narrative to what could become one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the upcoming window.
McKennie’s future at Juventus is increasingly uncertain. The American midfielder is entering the final months of his contract and could be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2026, prompting the Rossoneri to begin preliminary discussions with his representatives.
According to Calciomercato, Milan has initiated informal contact to explore the possibility of signing the United States national team midfielder without a transfer fee. Juventus remains keen to retain him, but negotiations over a contract extension have yet to reach a breakthrough.
Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates after scoring a goal.
He currently earns around $3 million per season, with the Bianconeri prepared to offer a new deal worth $4.7 million annually over three years in an attempt to secure his long-term future in Turin. Despite this, the midfielder’s growing market interest has made the situation increasingly complex.
McKennie’s rise under Luciano Spalletti and Milan’s midfield plans
The American’s resurgence has been one of Juventus’ key storylines this season. Since Luciano Spalletti’s appointment in late October, he has scored seven goals and provided four assists across all competitions, showcasing his versatility and influence in midfield.
His ability to operate in multiple roles, from central midfield to wide positions, has made him one of Juventus’ most valuable assets. This form has attracted interest from across Europe and beyond, especially from Milan, which is assessing several midfield options as it looks to strengthen the squad with experienced players who could arrive without a transfer fee. McKennie has joined Leon Goretzka on the club’s shortlist, as the management evaluates cost-effective opportunities in the market.
The club already boasts a strong midfield core featuring Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Youssouf Fofana, and Samuele Ricci, but the technical staff believes additional depth is required to compete on multiple fronts. Inter and Roma are also tracking McKennie’s contract situation closely, ensuring that Milan will face significant competition if they decide to make a formal approach.
The key factors revealed: Pulisic and Allegri
Calciomercatofurther adds that Massimiliano Allegri’s respect for McKennie and his close friendship with Christian Pulisic could play a crucial role in convincing him to join Milan. Allegri previously managed McKennie at Juventus and is known to value his tactical versatility and work rate.
Meanwhile, Pulisic and McKennie share a long-standing friendship from their time with the United States national team, and the prospect of a USMNT reunion at San Siro could be a powerful personal factor. The Rossoneri are said to be gathering detailed information and will evaluate whether to submit a concrete proposal in the coming weeks.
im Ream #13, Weston McKennie #8, Christian Pulisic #10, and Antonee Robinson #5 of USMNT
If the move materializes, the San Siro side could reunite two key United States national team players in the same club setup, a rare scenario in European soccer. Such a partnership would strengthen the team’s midfield dynamism while offering McKennie a familiar presence in a new environment. From a sporting perspective, his versatility and box-to-box energy would complement Milan’s tactical structure, while his leadership and international experience would add maturity to the squad.
Weston McKennie #8 of the United States is congratulated by Christian Pulisic #10 after scoring a goal.
With the French national team heading toward another global tournament as one of the leading favorites, speculation is already building around how the attacking unit will look and who will be entrusted with carrying Les Bleus’ ambitions in North America.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele remain central to France’s plans as Didier Deschamps begins to shape his vision for the 2026 World Cup. With the French national team heading toward another global tournament as one of the leading favorites, speculation is already building around how the attacking unit will look and who will be entrusted with carrying Les Bleus’ ambitions in North America.
Deschamps, whose leadership has defined an era of sustained excellence, is said to have made decisive early calls on the forward line. While the details have been closely guarded, it is believed that seven of the eight attacking slots for the World Cup roster are already close to being locked in, a sign that the France national team is entering the next cycle with a clear structure and hierarchy.
With Mbappe set to lead the attack and Dembele providing elite creativity, the question now is which players will form the supporting cast in what could be one of the most stacked offensive groups in the tournament.
France’s status as a global powerhouse is undisputed. The national team won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018 and reached the final in both 2006 and 2022, establishing a record few countries can match. Under Deschamps, Les Bleus have reached consecutive World Cup finals and consistently remained among the world’s top-ranked sides. Heading into 2026, the Blues are ranked third in the FIFA rankings, trailing only Argentina and Spain.
They qualified for the tournament by finishing top of their UEFA group with a dominant record, underlining their depth and consistency across the squad. Mbappe is expected to be the centerpiece once again. The Real Madrid forward has scored 55 goals in 94 international appearances, including 12 at World Cups, and remains one of the defining players of his generation. Dembele, now a key creative force, continues to provide explosive pace and technical brilliance for the national team.
The seven guaranteed forwards
France has been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Norway, and a playoff winner from Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname. The fixtures will be played across the United States and Canada, with matches scheduled in New York, Philadelphia, Foxborough, and Toronto.
Norway poses a significant threat, led by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, while 2025 AFCON winner, Senegal, brings physicality and historic rivalry. The group stage will test France early, but its limited travel demands could offer a logistical advantage.
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates with teammate Ousmane Dembele
Midway through preparations, reports have surfaced regarding Deschamps’ attacking plans. According to L’Equipe,seven forwards are already considered guaranteed selections for the 2026 World Cup squad. Those players are:
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
“Deschamps is expected to take eight forwards, and seven are already confirmed,” the report states, highlighting how firmly the core attacking group has been established.
The final forward spot will reportedly be contested by a deep pool of talent, including Marcus Thuram, Randal Kolo Muani, Florian Thauvin, Maghnes Akliouche, Kingsley Coman, Christopher Nkunku, and Jean-Philippe Mateta — a testament to France’s extraordinary depth in attack.
Generation of elite attackers across Europe
France’s attacking strength is built on players thriving at elite clubs. Mbappe leads Real Madrid, Dembele remains a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain, Olise is emerging at Bayern Munich, and Cherki is developing at Manchester City. Barcola and Doue continue to grow within PSG’s system, while Ekitike is forging his path at Liverpool.
Statistically, the core attackers are delivering elite output. Mbappe has 51 combined goals and assists this season, Olise 41, Ekitike 20, and Cherki 19, illustrating the sheer firepower at Deschamps’ disposal.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele of France celebrate
Real Madrid is bracing for a defining La Liga showdown, and all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe and Alvaro Arbeloa as uncertainty swirls around the French superstar’s availability.
Real Madrid is bracing for a defining La Liga showdown, and all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe and Alvaro Arbeloa as uncertainty swirls around the French superstar’s availability. The matchup itself already carries major significance, pitting the Spanish capital club against a Basque opponent riding one of the most impressive runs in the competition. Still, the suspense surrounding Madrid’s leading scorer adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Arbeloa, overseeing an impressive unbeaten start in the league, must balance urgency with caution, especially when his star forward is dealing with lingering fitness concerns. Los Blancos welcome Real Sociedad on Saturday night, knowing that victory could propel them back to the summit of La Liga. Under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, Madrid boasts a perfect domestic record so far, but this encounter represents their sternest challenge yet.
Sociedad arrives unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches, firmly established as one of the most organized and dangerous sides in Spain. Led by Pellegrino Matarazzo, the Basque club has evolved into a devastating counter-attacking unit and currently sits eighth in the table while pushing toward a Copa del Rey final.
What did Arbeloa say about Mbappe?
Midway through the buildup, clarity has finally emerged regarding the biggest question of all. Kylian Mbappe will be available. After missing two consecutive training sessions earlier in the week due to lingering discomfort in his left knee, Mbappe returned to full first-team training on Friday at Valdebebas. His absence had sparked concern inside the club, especially with a demanding schedule ahead.
Those fears were eased when Arbeloa addressed the situation directly in the pre-match press conference. “Yes, he’s fine. He’s trained with the group and is available for tomorrow’s match,” the Madrid coach confirmed. This confirmation effectively ended doubts over his availability, although medical staff continues to monitor his condition closely, given the club’s congested schedule and upcoming European commitments.
Why Madrid can’t take risks lightly
Mbappe’s importance cannot be overstated. The French forward has scored 38 goals and provided four assists in 31 matches, making him Madrid’s primary attacking reference. He has also found the net in nine consecutive appearances across competitions when featured.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
However, the team faces a delicate balancing act. With a Champions League playoff against Benfica looming later in the month, preserving the Frenchman’s long-term fitness remains a priority. Any inflammation in the knee of a player so reliant on explosive pace is treated with extreme caution.
While Mbappe is expected to start, Arbeloa retains the option of limiting his minutes if there are any late warning signs. However, even with his return, Madrid remains stretched. Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao are all sidelined, forcing Arbeloa to rely on squad depth and academy reinforcements. Defender Raul Asencio returned to training after illness, though he has been managing a minor tibial issue and could be rotated with Antonio Rudiger, now fully fit.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
As the club balances star power, domestic expectations, and squad competition, a major development is quietly unfolding behind the scenes, and it could see a crucial teammate depart in search of regular playing time.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the central figure of Al-Nassr’s ambitious project, but even the presence of one of soccer’s greatest icons cannot prevent internal changes and uncertainty. As the club balances star power, domestic expectations, and squad competition, a major development is quietly unfolding behind the scenes, and it could see a crucial teammate depart in search of regular playing time.
At first glance, the situation appears like a routine squad decision. In reality, it reflects deeper tactical shifts, intense competition for places, and the evolving priorities of a club that aims to dominate domestically and internationally. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line and global attention fixed on the club, every personnel change carries added significance.
Al-Nassr’s squad is built on depth and star power, combining international imports with domestic talents. This structure creates elite competition for starting roles, particularly in critical positions such as goalkeeping. Coaches at top clubs often emphasize rotation, but in high-stakes competitions, consistency and trust play decisive roles in determining who starts.
In recent months, Al-Nassr’s technical staff has reassessed its hierarchy following costly mistakes and tactical adjustments. As a result, the balance of power within the squad has shifted, affecting players who once appeared untouchable.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
Possible blow for Ronaldo as experienced international could leave
The player at the center of this uncertainty is Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the Saudi international goalkeeper who began the season as the club’s first-choice option. According to Saudi reports, Al-Aqidi’s position changed after errors in matches against Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal, prompting the coaching staff to rely on Brazilian goalkeeper Bento Matheus instead.
Al-Aqidi has since been demoted to the second-choice role, with his involvement now dependent on tactical needs rather than guaranteed starts. Local newspapers Arriyadiyah and Al-Youm suggest that the goalkeeper is expected to leave next summer in search of regular playing opportunities, given the strong competition within the squad. This shift highlights the brutal reality of elite soccer: even established internationals can lose their place if performance drops or tactical preferences change.
Nawaf Al-Aqidi of Team Al-Nassr FC
Head coach Jorge Jesus reportedly held direct talks with Al-Aqidi, reaffirming that he remains part of the technical plans but without guarantees. The Portuguese coach has opted for Bento in recent fixtures, emphasizing consistency and reliability in goal. The competition between the two goalkeepers has become one of the defining internal battles of Al-Nassr’s season. For a club chasing multiple trophies, goalkeeping stability is non-negotiable, and even minor errors can trigger decisive changes.
What does Nawaf Al-Aqidi’s agent think?
Speculation about the 25-year-old’s future intensified across social media and local outlets, prompting his agent Mishaal Al-Safa’i to issue a public statement defending his client and criticizing unverified rumors.
“When he was present, he silenced everyone with his performances, culminating in our national team’s qualification for the World Cup. Now that he’s absent, everyone is talking about him,” Al-Safa’i wrote. “It’s strange that some people speak as if they are decision-makers within the club. It’s truly shameful.”
Jorge Jesus, Manager of Al-Nassr, interacts with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr.
Wrexham beat Ipswich Town 1-0 to advance to the fifth round of the 2025-26 FA Cup.
Wrexham secured a crucial victory in Friday’s fourth-round clash of the 2025-26 FA Cup, winning 1-0 in Wales thanks to a first-half goal from Josh Windass. The win against Ipswich Town allowed the Red Dragons to end a nearly 30-year wait for success in the competition.
For both clubs, Friday’s match came at a time when most of their focus is on the Championship, where they are pushing to climb the table and move closer to promotion to the Premier League. In that context, each coach took a different approach: Phil Parkinson fielded most of Wrexham’s key stars, while Ipswich Town coach Kieran McKenna rested several of his top players.
That decision proved decisive in the first half, as Wrexham capitalized on their advantage. Josh Windass latched onto a shot from Longman and calmly finished inside the box to put the hosts ahead.
After the break, the visitors made substitutions to bring on some of their best players, hoping to turn the match around. However, Wrexham defended resolutely and held on for a historic victory, reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 29 years. The last time they advanced this far was in the 1996-97 season, when they went on to the quarterfinals.
Josh Windass of Wrexham celebrates after scoring his teams goal against Ipswich Town.
Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC could soon lose Denis Bouanga, even after his failed transfer from Major League Soccer to Brazil’s Serie A.
Son Heung-min‘s Los Angeles FC are just days away from starting their 2026 season. However, before that kickoff, the team’s attention is focused on the situation of Denis Bouanga, one of their top stars, who was close to leaving Major League Soccer for Brazil’s Serie A.
Over the past week, LAFC and Fluminense advanced in negotiations for the Gabon forward’s transfer. In fact, Globoesporte reported that the clubs had reached an agreement to make the move happen for around $15 million.
However, just when the deal seemed set, things unexpectedly fell apart. “LAFC and Fluminense negotiations for Denis Bouanga are stalled as the MLS side has not yet found a suitable replacement,” reported Transfermarkt. The concern from the California club is understandable, given the huge impact the player has had on the team in recent seasons.
Bouanga has spent four years in Los Angeles, establishing himself as one of the best players in MLS. He has 101 goals in 152 matches and is considered a key player alongside Son Heung-min. That’s why his departure would be unacceptable unless another Designated Player capable of filling his role arrives—a prospect that seems unlikely so close to the start of the season.
LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.
LAFC could lose Bouanga soon anyway
Even though Denis Bouanga’s move to Fluminense appears collapsed, that doesn’t mean the California side can relax about the forward. “The player warned LAFC to find a replacement, because he wants to leave in the middle of the year,” reported MLS specialist Cristian Moraes on X.
If this report is accurate, it means Los Angeles FC have only postponed the problem. Even if Bouanga stays for the season opener, his long-term future with the club looks uncertain, potentially leading to his departure in the summer, midseason in 2026.
Upcoming challenges for LAFC
Concerns over Denis Bouanga’s future come at the worst possible time for LAFC. They will officially kick off the 2026 season in just a few days, competing in two tournaments simultaneously.
On Wednesday, February 18, LAFC will begin their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign against Real España of Honduras. The first leg will take place at Francisco Morazan Stadium in San Pedro Sula, with the return leg in California a week later.
In the middle of those two matches, the team faces an even tougher challenge. On Saturday, February 21, the 2026 MLS season opens with LAFC hosting reigning champions Inter Miami. This match is highly anticipated, featuring Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi on opposite sides, though the Argentina star’s fitness now raises questions about his availability.
Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC.
A former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr spoke about the challenges he faced during his time in the Saudi Pro League.
In recent weeks, certain difficulties faced by some stars of the Saudi Pro League have become more apparent than ever. Cristiano Ronaldo was at the center of attention after refusing to play two matches for Al Nassr, and now a former teammate has opened up about the struggles he experienced during his time there.
Aymeric Laporte recently gave an interview to RMC and reflected on his days at Al Nassr. “I’d never said this before, but from the first year in Saudi Arabia I realised it wasn’t really what I was looking for,” admitted the defender, who joined the club in mid-2023 after winning the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City just weeks earlier.
“I spoke to the club about it from the first year, they asked me to be patient. It remained the same, I had some problems there, nothing serious, that we didn’t know how to manage,” Laporte added, making it clear that his time in Saudi Arabia was far from ideal.
In his first year alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the Spanish player was an important part of the team, appearing in 39 matches and scoring 4 goals, while his second season was less successful, with 30 appearances. These challenges were compounded by the club’s frustration over failing to secure official titles, leading to a major squad overhaul.
Aymeric Laporte playing for Al-Nassr.
In that context, new Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus made it clear from his arrival in the summer of 2025 that Laporte was not in his plans, a situation reinforced by the signing of Iñigo Martinez from Barcelona. “We decided not to continue for a third year. There was also the family aspect which was important to me,” revealed the center back.
Laporte’s return to Europe
After two unhappy years in the Saudi Pro League, Aymeric Laporte decided to leave Al Nassr and return to Europe. He had the opportunity to join Olympique Marseille, as he confirmed in his interview with RMC. “There was an approach, yes. There was interest, not only from Marseille but also from other clubs,” the defender said.
“There was the idea of getting closer to home, to my father, my family. I was determined to return to my roots. That’s what made me come back to Bilbao,” Laporte added. Ultimately, the Spanish defender chose to join Athletic Club, where he had previously played between 2012 and 2018, making over 200 appearances.
This season, Laporte has played 16 matches with Athletic Club across competitions, and while he has been a key player, he has not always been available due to physical issues. Now, he aims to stay healthy for the team’s biggest challenge of the season: Athletic Club is in the Copa del Rey semifinals, where they lost 1-0 against Real Sociedad in the first leg.
As Portugal’s Under-16 side opened its 2026 Algarve Tournament campaign, the attention was inevitably drawn to the teenager wearing the famous surname.
The name Cristiano Ronaldo has shaped modern soccer, defining eras at elite club and international level with record-breaking feats and relentless ambition. Now, a new chapter of that legacy is quietly unfolding at youth level, where his son is beginning to navigate a career that carries both privilege and pressure in equal measure.
As Portugal’s Under-16 side opened its 2026 Algarve Tournament campaign, the attention was inevitably drawn to the teenager wearing the famous surname. The occasion was not just another youth fixture; it was a symbolic milestone, with the soccer world eager to evaluate whether the next generation of the Ronaldo name could begin to carve its own path.
The question surrounding the match was simple yet loaded with expectation: How did Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. perform in his first appearance of the tournament, and what does it say about his development? For Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., every appearance for the Portugal youth setup comes with unique scrutiny. His father’s career — built on five Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League triumphs, and iconic moments for the the Selecao — has created a benchmark that few players in history have ever matched.
That legacy is both an advantage and a burden. Growing up in elite academies and training environments has provided the young forward with world-class preparation, but it has also ensured that anonymity is impossible.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr of Portugal (C) looks on prior to the Men’s U15 International match between Portugal and Japan
Every performance is analyzed, every mistake magnified, and every goal celebrated as a glimpse into a potential future superstar. In Portugal’s U-16 camp, the coaching staff faces a delicate task: developing Ronaldo Jr. as an individual talent, not merely as a continuation of his father’s story.
Portugal’s youth opportunity and the Algarve Tournament stage
The Algarve Tournament, held between February 12 and February 17, offers Portugal’s most promising teenagers the chance to test themselves against elite international opposition. The schedule includes clashes with Japan, the Netherlands, and Germany — a demanding run that will expose young players to tactical and psychological challenges early in their careers.
For Ronaldo Jr., this tournament marks his first youth international competition played on Portuguese soil, adding symbolic significance to the moment. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, family support remains strong, with reports indicating his grandmother, Dolores Aveiro, attended training sessions to offer encouragement.
Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, The grandmother of Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, (R),
How Ronaldo Jr. fared against Japan
The opening match against Japan ended in a convincing 3-0 victory for Portugal, but the real intrigue surrounded Ronaldo Jr.’s introduction. He came off the bench in the first half following an injury to Rafael Cabral, immediately stepping into the spotlight.
Rather than shrinking under pressure, he showed composure and involvement. He almost marked his entry with a goal, forcing a sharp save from the goalkeeper, and remained active in attacking phases. After the break, he went close again when set up by Diego Farinha, with his effort parried into the path of a teammate who scored.
🇵🇹🚨 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐎 𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐎 𝐉𝐑 (𝟏𝟓) delivered 𝟏 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓 against Japan U16 today
Although he did not score, Ronaldo Jr. bagged up one assist and was a constant threat. He played 64 minutes, contributing to Portugal’s attacking momentum and demonstrating tactical awareness in link-up play. Observers noted a more measured and collaborative style compared to his father’s explosive youth profile, highlighting his evolving soccer identity.
For now, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. remains exactly what he should be: a talented teenager learning, adapting, and performing under extraordinary circumstances. The journey is just beginning, and while the name on his back carries history, the player wearing it is starting to write his own.
Wrexham take on Ipswich Town in the fourth round of the 2025/26 FA Cup. Follow every moment of the matchup, with full kickoff times and broadcast information provided here for both TV and streaming options in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Wrexham vs Ipswich Town Forest on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Wrexham vs Ipswich Town
WHAT
FA Cup
WHEN
2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT • Friday, February 13, 2026
A compelling EFL Championship clash adds FA Cup stakes as surging Welsh side Wrexham meets promotion hopeful Ipswich Town. Wrexham, the global sensation popularized by Welcome to Wrexham and fueled by consecutive promotions, continues their historic rise with Premier League ambitions ahead.
However, the FA Cup stands as their clearest path to silverware this season. Ipswich Town, sitting third in the Championship and eyeing a return to the top flight, is equally motivated, making this matchup a high-intensity battle between two teams with plenty to play for.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Wrexham vs Ipswich Town and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
Now with ESPN+, you can stream Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, Eredivisie, NWSL, USL and more.
Even better, ESPN is now offering The Disney Bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ for only $14.99 per month. Not only do you get all of the soccer with ESPN+, but you also get hit movies and TV shows with Hulu AND you get Disney+ that features Star Wars, Marvel movies, Disney movies and shows, films from Pixar and feature documentaries from National Geographic.
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There’s also the daily ESPN FC show, 30 For 30 documentaries, exclusive access to studio programs and more.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Hull City take on Chelsea in the fourth round of the 2025/26 FA Cup. Follow every moment of the matchup, with full kickoff times and broadcast information provided here for both TV and streaming options in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Hull City vs Chelsea on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Hull City vs Chelsea
WHAT
FA Cup
WHEN
2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT • Friday, February 13, 2026
Chelseaand Hull City square off in FA Cup fourth-round action with a spot in the next stage on the line, as the Premier League side looks to justify its status as a tournament favorite. The Blues enter the matchup expected to control proceedings, knowing any slip could derail their title ambitions.
Meanwhile, Hullarrive with momentum from a strong Championship campaign and nothing to lose as they chase a headline-making upset. With contrasting styles, pressure, and stakes colliding, this is a classic cup showdown you won’t want to miss.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Hull City vs Chelsea and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
Now with ESPN+, you can stream Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, Eredivisie, NWSL, USL and more.
Even better, ESPN is now offering The Disney Bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ for only $14.99 per month. Not only do you get all of the soccer with ESPN+, but you also get hit movies and TV shows with Hulu AND you get Disney+ that features Star Wars, Marvel movies, Disney movies and shows, films from Pixar and feature documentaries from National Geographic.
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, ESPN+ also includes UFC, MLB, MLS, NHL, select PGA TOUR golf, Top Rank Boxing, cricket and Grand Slam tennis from Wimbledon to the US Open and Australian Open. Plus you get instant access to your favorite college sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, softball and more.
There’s also the daily ESPN FC show, 30 For 30 documentaries, exclusive access to studio programs and more.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
The American forward, a pivotal figure in the Rossoneri’s campaign, has recently returned from injury and rejoined group training, yet he will not be in the starting lineup for the crucial trip to Pisa.
The build-up to Milan’s return to Serie A action has been dominated by one central question surrounding Christian Pulisic. The American forward, a pivotal figure in the Rossoneri’s campaign, has recently returned from injury and rejoined group training, yet he will not be in the starting lineup for the crucial trip to Pisa. With the title race tightening and expectations rising, the decision has raised eyebrows among supporters and analysts alike, especially given Pulisic’s importance to the club’s attacking structure and his status as one of the most productive players in the squad this season.
The clash with Pisa represents a defining moment for Milan’s ambitions, with Massimiliano Allegri’s side chasing the Serie A title and needing to keep pace with the league leader, Inter. Meanwhile, the home side, struggling near the bottom of the table, views the fixture as an opportunity to spark a resurgence under its new coach. In such a high-stakes encounter, every tactical choice carries weight, making Pulisic’s omission from the starting lineup all the more intriguing.
Milan arrives in Tuscany after an extended break and an emphatic 3-0 victory over Bologna, a result that extended its unbeaten league run to 22 games and kept it in contention for the title. However, the Rossoneri still trail Inter by a significant margin, meaning there is little room for error. Pisa, on the other hand, sits in the relegation zone and has struggled for consistency, but its desperation makes it a dangerous opponent.
Since joining Milan, Christian Pulisic has re-established himself as one of the club’s most influential players. He is the club’s leading scorer this season, with double-digit goals in all competitions, and his consistency has made him a cornerstone of Allegri’s system. However, his campaign has also been disrupted by recurring physical issues, including muscular problems, a hamstring setback, and, most recently, bursitis, which forced him to miss the win over Bologna.
Despite these setbacks, Pulisic has remained optimistic about his recovery and form. “It’s going well. I’m actually feeling much better,so I’m really close to being where I want to be,” he said in a recent interview, reflecting his confidence that he is nearing full fitness.
Why is Pulisic out of Milan’s starting XI?
The mystery surrounding Pulisic’s absence from the starting lineup was finally clarified in Allegri’s pre-match press conference. The Milan coach confirmed that while the American is available, he is not yet ready to play a full match. “Pulisic will be available. He trained with the team for the first time yesterday, but he only has 15-20 minutes in his legs,” Allegri explained.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan warms up before the Serie A match.
This revelation sheds light on Milan’s cautious approach. Pulisic is fit enough to feature off the bench but not physically prepared to start, prompting Allegri to prioritize his long-term fitness over immediate impact. With fixture congestion ahead and a crucial schedule looming, the coach is determined to avoid aggravating the winger’s lingering issues.
Even with limited minutes, the American’s presence on the bench provides the visitors with a potent weapon late in the game. His pace, creativity, and goal threat could prove decisive against a Nerazzurri side that has struggled defensively this season.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on during a Coppa Italia match.
Expected to make his return to the pitch with Santos next Sunday, Neymar received a concerning warning: "It doesn’t matter if we leave him out of the World Cup."
Neymar’s return to the pitch after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee is fast approaching, with the Brazil star already back training alongside his teammates at Santos. However, ahead of Sunday’s match against Velo Clube, the forward received a stark and troubling warning: “It doesn’t matter if we leave him out of the World Cup.“
Now attention shifts to Sunday’s match at Vila Belmiro, where Santos will host the final round of the Campeonato Paulista against Velo Clube, a game in which Neymar could finally return after more than two months out. Still, an unexpected warning has raised concern in Brazil ahead of kickoff.
On Thursday, Velo Clube ultras showed up at the team’s training ground and addressed the players before the crucial match, singling out Neymar: “I need every single one of you out there sweating blood. If we have to leave Neymar out of the World Cup, then leave that — out of the World Cup. We have to do whatever it takes to win this game, you understand?”
"Se for pra tirar o Neymar da copa, tira mano, foda-se"
The video, published by the group itself, quickly went viral on social media, sparking unease among fans. According to the supporters, the tone was meant as motivation rather than a threat, while the Velo Clube board released a statement stressing that fan invasions and interruptions of training sessions are not tolerated.
Velo Clube enters the final match sitting 15th, inside the relegation zone, with just one win in seven games in the 2026 Paulista campaign, meaning a victory over Santos would secure survival. Meanwhile, the Peixe sit 10th and, with a win plus favorable results elsewhere, could still climb into the top eight and reach the playoff phase, which would give Neymar additional matches to regain full fitness.
Neymar’s response to the warning
The video spread rapidly across social media, intensifying attention on the match and on Neymar’s fitness, with the World Cup widely expected to be the final major objective of his career. The most alarming aspect was that the ultras’ own account posted the clip targeting the forward, which some interpreted as a direct threat to his well-being.
Neymar’s Instagram story.
While he has not addressed the video directly, Neymar shared an Instagram story featuring Brazilian icon Adriano celebrating with a shirt bearing the message: “Que Deus Perdoe essas pessoas ruins (May God forgive these bad people.” Despite the controversy, the Santos star followed up by posting several images from his training sessions, both in the gym and on the field, raising expectations for his imminent return.
After the crushing 4-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals, FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick issued a wake-up call to Lamine Yamal and the rest of the players.
Hansi Flick suffered his worst defeat since joining Barcelona as Atletico Madrid delivered a dominant performance in the 2026 Copa del Rey semifinals, sealing a 4-0 result. With qualification for the final now in serious jeopardy, the German coach issued a wake-up call to Lamine Yamal and the rest of the Barca squad ahead of the second leg at home.
In the postmatch press conference, Flick was asked for his thoughts on the performance, and the German coach was candid: “We didn’t play well as a team in the first half. The distance were too long, and we didn’t press as we wanted and I would have liked to have seen the hunger that Atlético showed.“
Despite acknowledging that his side was overwhelmed by the team coached by Diego Simeone, Flick still believes a comeback is possible. “In the second half was much better, and we still have another game, and we’ll fight for that. We have two halves left — 45 minutes where we can try to win both halves 2-0. That’s our goal. We’ll fight for it, and we’ll need our fans at home at Camp Nou, and then we’ll see what happens.”
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
Flick on the disallowed goal
With the final score at 4-0, Atletico, the more dominant side over the full 90 minutes of the first leg, could have extended its lead, while Barcelona also had chances to narrow the gap. One key moment came when Pau Cubarsí pounced on a rebound in the box that appeared to give the Blaugrana their first goal.
However, seven minutes later, after a lengthy VAR review, the defender’s goal was ruled out. Fermín López’s shot from outside the box had been blocked by Robert Lewandowski, and Cubarsí finished the rebound, but VAR spotted a marginal offside in the buildup, a decision that sparked controversy.
Asked about the officiating, Flick voiced frustration over the time it took for the decision: “What should I say? For me, it’s a mess. They have to wait 7 minutes to find something. When I see the situation, it was clearly no offside, but at the end maybe they could see something different, but at least tell us. There’s no communication, and this is so bad here.“
Instead, his performance fell short of expectations. The 18-year-old was effectively neutralized by Matteo Ruggeri, tasked with marking him closely, and finished without a single shot, completing just six of 12 dribbles while losing possession 29 times.
Lamine Yamal (L) and Hansi Flick (R), Head Coach of FC Barcelona.
Lionel Messi's hopes in the 2026 World Cup have been put in doubt as head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly concerned over several Argentina players.
Lionel Messi has begun his preparation for the 2026 World Cup on the wrong foot after suffering an injury during Inter Miami’s preseason. However, his outlook for the tournament has taken another hit, with head coach Lionel Scaloni reportedly growing concerned about Argentina’s players.
According to ESPN’s Esteban Edul, there is significant concern within the national team’s coaching staff led by Scaloni regarding the form of Argentina’s players. As the journalist reported, the staff believes that “individually, each player is performing well below what they are capable of.“
Among the players expected to be starters at the 2026 World Cup, only two have stood out for their strong form. The main positives have been Enzo Fernández, who is enjoying an excellent stretch with 11 goals in 38 matches (his best season at Chelsea) and Lisandro Martínez, who has proven vital to Manchester United’s resurgence since returning from his ACL injury.
Lionel Scaloni head coach of Argentina talks with Lionel Messi.
What about the rest of Argentina’s players?
Among the projected starters, only Fernández and Martínez are currently viewed as being in top form. Others who could be added to that list include Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, a key figure for an Aston Villa side currently sitting third in the Premier League, and Lautaro Martínez, Inter Milan’s leader and Serie A’s top scorer with 14 goals.
However, concerns have reportedly been raised about the level of several regular starters, including right back Nahuel Molina, left back Nicolás Tagliafico, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul (who has yet to start the 2026 season with Inter Miami) and Julián Álvarez. Despite their status as World Cup champions, the 2025-26 campaign has not been especially promising for what is expected to be Argentina’s starting lineup.
World Cup preparation already underway in Argentina
Even though he has been reluctant to confirm his participation, the 2026 World Cup remains Lionel Messi’s primary objective in the twilight of his career. While Inter Miami has indicated that his injury appears to be minor, reports suggest that the decision to postpone Friday’s match against Independiente del Valle, aside from contractual factors, was also meant to avoid exposing the Argentine star to unnecessary risk.
Earlier this year, Lionel Scaloni revealed that he spoke with Messi to discuss planning for the World Cup. In late January, the Argentina boss also met with Atletico Madrid coaching staff and players Juan Musso, Thiago Almada, Nicolás González, and Julián Álvarez, with Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone absent from a team dinner but still part of preparations that began six months before the World Cup kickoff.
With Vinicius Junior’s future under increasing scrutiny, speculation has intensified about whether he could leave Real Madrid, return to Flamengo, or even join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
The global transfer market is bracing for another seismic storyline involving one of soccer’s biggest stars. With Vinicius Junior’s future under increasing scrutiny, speculation has intensified about whether he could leave Real Madrid, return to Flamengo, or even join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
The uncertainty surrounding his contract situation, combined with growing external interest and emotional ties to Brazil, has turned his future into one of the most dramatic narratives in world soccer. Yet amid the rumors, a brief but revealing admission from Flamengo’s president has added a new layer of intrigue to the debate, and it could reshape expectations around the winger’s next move.
Saudi Arabia has once again positioned itself as a major disruptor in soccer’s elite transfer market. According to journalist Ben Jacobs,Real Madrid is expected to receive a formal approach for Vinicius next summer, with Saudi clubs prepared to table an unprecedented financial package potentially worth up to $1.2 billion in total contract value. The Saudi Pro League’s interest is seen as part of a broader strategy to attract players in their prime rather than veterans, with Vinicius viewed as a statement signing that could redefine the league’s global credibility.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, is said to be determined not to lose one of its most influential players for free. Vinicius’ current contract runs until June 2027, but negotiations to extend his deal have stalled, creating tension inside the club. Madrid’s hierarchy has made it clear that allowing him to reach free agency is not an option.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid gestures during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Flamengo’s emotional dream and public desire
While Saudi Arabia offers money and prestige, Flamengo offers something different: home. Vinicius spent 12 years at the Brazilian club before leaving for Madrid in 2018, and his emotional connection remains strong.
The Rubro-Negro’s sporting director, Jose Boto, openly acknowledged the club’s desire to bring him back, insisting that the door will always be open. “The door is always open for Vini,” Boto said. “His contract is close to ending, we won’t have to pay anything to Real Madrid.”
The club’s recent strategy, including the high-profile return of Lucas Paqueta, has reinforced the idea that the Brazilian side wants to repatriate its academy stars. Emotional ties, identity, and belonging are central to the club’s pitch, even if it cannot compete financially with Europe or Saudi Arabia.
José Boto sobre Vini Jr no Flamengo:
“O contrato está acabando, ele me mandou um presente muito bonito… Depende mais do Vini do que do Flamengo. A porta para o Vini está sempre aberta.”
The 10-word admission that reveals Flamengo’s reality
However, the romantic narrative was confronted by a blunt reality check from Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista. Speaking candidly about the possibility of signing Vinicius, he delivered a striking admission that cut through the speculation:“We want Vini, but he’s not yet within Flamengo’s reach.”
Those ten words revealed the club’s limitations. Baptista explained that any move for the 25-year-old would require financial resources far beyond what Flamengo can currently offer, especially compared to Europe and Saudi Arabia. “Vinicius Junior wants to stay in Europe… It’s more of a conversation for the fans to imagine,” he added, highlighting the gap between ambition and reality.
Vinicius Junior of Flamengo celebrates the victory with the fans
Behind the scenes, negotiations have stalled, rumors have multiplied, and clarity has been slow to arrive. Yet, a crucial decision has now emerged, and it could shape his trajectory for years to come.
Christian Pulisic remains at the center of a growing transfer narrative, with Europe’s elite watching closely and speculation intensifying ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The American star has rebuilt his reputation in Italy, becoming one of Milan’s most influential figures, and his resurgence has not gone unnoticed by Premier League giants.
As English sides monitor his situation, questions linger over what comes next for Pulisic and how Milan plans to secure his long-term future. Behind the scenes, negotiations have stalled, rumors have multiplied, and clarity has been slow to arrive. Yet, a crucial decision has now emerged, and it could shape his trajectory for years to come.
Since arriving in Italy from Chelsea, Pulisic has transformed into a leader and a consistent attacking force. His time in England was marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating injuries, but Milan offered him a fresh platform to rediscover his form.
He has registered 42 goals and 25 assists in 120 appearances since joining Milan, becoming one of the club’s most reliable performers. Even this season, despite injury setbacks, he remains among the team’s top scorers, underlining his importance. Thus, it comes as no surprise that his resurgence has reignited Premier League interest.
Reports suggest that Liverpool and Arsenal have been closely monitoring his contract situation, with both clubs viewing him as an experienced and versatile option for their attacking line. The timing is crucial, as Pulisic’s contract runs toward its latter stages and his market value continues to rise.
Growing uncertainty over contract talks
Despite his importance, negotiations over a contract renewal have not progressed smoothly. Reports from Italy suggested that Pulisic expected a new deal by now, but no formal offer arrived, fueling speculation about his future. “There’s been a stalemate that’s been going on for a long time,” Italian journalist Marco Guidi explained, highlighting how discussions have lingered without resolution. “It’s a situation that needs to be addressed.”
The club’s lack of urgency has been notable, especially as Premier League clubs monitor the situation. Analysts have noted that Pulisic’s salary remains below that of some of Milan’s top earners, which could complicate negotiations, as his performances warrant a higher wage bracket.
The decision revealed and why Milan is calm
Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with a potential move, particularly as they reassess their attacking options for the future. However, despite all the speculation, Milan has quietly clarified its stance on Pulisic’s future. The club plans to exercise its unilateral option to extend his contract until 2028, effectively securing his future without rushing into a new deal. As Relevo’sMatteo Moretto explained, “Pulisic’s contract expires in 2028, so 27+1, and there’s an option to renew in Milan’s favor, which Milan will obviously exercise.”
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match.
This revelation changes the landscape entirely. While Premier League clubs may be monitoring his situation, the Rossoneri remain in control of his future and are under no immediate pressure to sell. The extension option gives the club leverage, ensuring that any potential move would require significant negotiation and financial commitment.
Despite the apparent stalemate in negotiations, Milan is not panicking. The San Siro outfit believes it has time on its side, especially with the extension option in place. “So, Milan are in no rush to renew Pulisic’s contract; there’s great calm, great tranquility,” Moretto added.
Financial considerations also play a role. As the 27-year-old winger falls outside Italy’s tax benefits framework over time, offering him a significantly improved salary could become more complicated. This has contributed to the slow pace of negotiations, even as his performances justify a raise.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates his goal with Strahinja Pavlovic that was later disallowed
Mexico’s national team is finalizing its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With just four months until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, national teams are entering the final stages of their preparation. Mexico are no exception, with the added responsibility of serving as one of the tournament’s three host nations.
“The Mexican Football Federation has already finalized El Tri’s final three opponents,” Marca reported this week, citing a report from TUDN. “Mexico will face Australia, Ghana, and Serbia.”
The dates for those matches have not yet been announced, but they are expected to take place in the days leading up to the start of the tournament. Before that, Javier Aguirre’s team will play at least two additional friendlies. The first is scheduled for February 25 against Iceland at Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro.
Then, during the March FIFA international break, Mexico will face Portugal at Estadio Azteca. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be the main attraction, although it has not yet been confirmed whether the 41-year-old forward will take part in the match.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre.
Following those games, Mexico will play the previously mentioned friendlies against Australia, Ghana, and Serbia. According to TUDN’s report, two of those three matches will be held in Mexico, though the venues have not yet been announced, while the remaining game will take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Mexico’s opponents in the World Cup
Mexico will have the honor of kicking off the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament’s opening match is set for June 11 at Estadio Azteca, where El Tri will face South Africa in the Group A opener.
Javier Aguirre and his squad will return to action a week later. On June 18, this time at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico will face South Korea in their second group-stage match.
Group A play will conclude on June 24. On that day, South Africa and South Korea will face each other while, simultaneously, Mexico will play their third opponent. That team has yet to be determined and will emerge from a European playoff to be decided in March: Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or Ireland.
A Barcelona player could become Christian Pulisic's teammate at Milan in the following transfer window.
Milan trails its archrival Inter in Serie A but has shown clear improvement from last season, and the club is already planning how to strengthen the squad next year. With ambitions to climb back to the top domestically and in Europe, the Italian side is targeting affordable, young options to add depth. Christian Pulisic could soon have a new teammate from Barcelona.
The name linked to a move to Italy is Gerard Martín, 23. The center back has played more minutes under Hansi Flick than many expected, and that exposure has drawn attention from clubs across Europe. Scouts have noted his calmness on the ball and his capacity to step into a starting role despite still being relatively young.
Martín is a left-footed center back, a profile that is hard to find and valued for balance in build-up play down the left side. In addition to his technique and experience at a major club, he can also cover left back, which increases his appeal to teams seeking tactical flexibility.
Martín’s season with Barcelona
Martín was not expected to get many minutes given Iñigo Martínez’s presence and the club’s plans to sign reinforcements in that area. But the older defender’s departure opened a spot in the lineup and gave Martín a real chance to prove himself.
Martín can be a center back of a left back (Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Even though Barcelona has not been known for rock-solid defending this season, Martín’s involvement has been higher than projected. He has played 19 La Liga matches, eight Champions League appearances, and three Copa del Rey matches.
After winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España last season, he added another Supercopa de España this season when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the final.
Martín’s potential price tag
There is no certainty about what AC Milan would pay if they make an offer. Market estimates put his value around €25 million (almost $30 million), which could be acceptable to Barcelona if they secure a replacement first.
Martín was on Wolverhampton’s radar last transfer window, when the English club offered €15 million; at that time the player declined the move. Everton is also reported to be interested.
Lamine Yamal endured a painful defeat with Barcelona against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
On Thursday, Barcelona suffered their toughest blow of the 2025-26 season. Lamine Yamal’s side fell 4-0 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, leaving them in a very difficult position heading into the return match.
For Yamal, the night at Estadio Metropolitano will go down as the worst defeat of his professional career. Since making his Barcelona debut in April 2023, the young Spanish winger had never lost a match by four or more goals. The loss marked an unwanted first in what has otherwise been a meteoric rise.
The closest comparison prior to Thursday’s defeat against Atletico Madrid came in another high-stakes clash against a domestic powerhouse. In the 2024 Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid handed Barcelona a 4-1 loss to lift the trophy.
Other notable defeats since Lamine became part of the first team include a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the current UEFA Champions League league phase and a 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2023-24 Champions League quarterfinals. In none of those matches was Yamal able to get on the scoresheet to alter the course of the game.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid scores his team’s fourth goal vs. Barcelona.
The remarkable 73-year streak Barcelona ended
Barcelona’s loss to Atletico Madrid will carry historical weight for several reasons. Chief among them was the blistering start by the hosts, who scored twice in the opening 14 minutes and built a 4-0 lead by halftime.
The last time Barcelona went into halftime trailing by four goals was 73 years ago. According to sports statistics account MisterChip on X, Real Madrid were the last team to achieve such a margin, leading 4-0 at the break during a 1953-54 La Liga match that eventually ended 5-0 in favor of Los Blancos.
A heavy defeat for Hansi Flick as well
Just as it is difficult to find a poorer first-half performance in Barcelona’s modern history than Thursday’s showing in the Copa del Rey, the same can be said for Hansi Flick’s managerial career.
Nothing similar had happened during his time at Barcelona, nor in his previous spells with Germany’s national team or Bayern Munich. The only comparable instance dates back to his early coaching days with Hoffenheim in Germany’s fourth division in 2005. That year, his team trailed 4-1 at halftime against Kickers Offenbach in a match that ultimately ended in a 6-2 defeat.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding Robert Lewandowski’s future, Barcelona reportedly target Dušan Vlahović as an attacking reinforcement. However, Hansi Flick might encounter challenges in securing his arrival, as the Serbian is supposedly considering two alternatives for his future.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have established themselves as one of the most potent attacking teams in the world. Despite this, Robert Lewandowski’s future has been in doubt, and he appears to be moving away from the club. Consequently, Dušan Vlahović’s potential arrival as a free agent has gained momentum. However, Hansi Flick might face challenges in securing his signing, as the Serbian forward reportedly considers two options for his future.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are the favorites to sign Dušan Vlahović as a free agent, as the Serbian striker has long desired the experience of playing in the Premier League. However, an agreement between the two parties is not fully sealed, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United also looking to secure his arrival for the 2026–27 season.
Despite interest from several Premier League clubs, Juventusstill remain hopeful of securing Vlahović’s renewal. According to Daniele Longo, the Serbian forward is considering extending his contract with the Italian side. Even if the negotiations have been stalled for several months, Vlahovic maintains an excellent relationship with coach Luciano Spalletti and is excited about working alongside him, as reported by Giovanni Albanese.
Dušan Vlahović has yet to cement his status as one of Europe’s top strikers during his time at Juventus. While he consistently averages more than 15 goals per season, he hasn’t quite replicated the exceptional form he displayed at Fiorentina, where he eclipsed the 20-goal mark. Despite this, the Serbian forward remains a crucial asset in attack, sparking interest from numerous teams across Europe, such as Barcelona, who are closely monitoring his potential transfer.
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Eder Militao of Real Madrid.
Barcelona do not only keep Vlahovic as attacking option
Ferran Torres has demonstrated top form, yet Barcelona reportedly remain focused on strengthening their attack. With Lewandowski potentially leaving as a free agent, Hansi Flick might receive a marquee reinforcement to boost competition for the Spaniard. In that sense, Dušan Vlahović has emerged as a strong possibility, but given the complications surrounding his situation, they are supposedly considering other alternatives.
According to Diario Sport, Julián Alvarez is Barcelona’s top priority to strengthen their attack. Despite going around 100 days without scoring, the Atlético Madrid striker is seen as the ideal player for Hansi Flick’s team. However, he could be involved in a transfer worth more than €100 million, as he is a key player for Los Colchoneros. If the Argentine or Serbian are not signed, Robert Lewandowski could extend his contract for another year as a backup striker.
Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus.
A key development behind the scenes suggests that Ronaldo’s influence is being felt—and that the club may be entering a calmer phase with a crucial renewal on the horizon.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s turbulent protest against the Saudi Pro League establishment may finally be giving way to a sense of stability. After refusing to feature in competitive matches despite being fit and available, the Portuguese icon made headlines not for goals but for defiance. His boycott exposed internal tensions, governance disputes, and frustration with how Al-Nassr was being managed. Now, however, a key development behind the scenes suggests that Ronaldo’s influence is being felt—and that the club may be entering a calmer phase with a crucial renewal on the horizon.
In early February 2026, the Portuguese stunned fans and analysts alike by deliberately sitting out Saudi Pro League matches. This was not a fitness issue, nor a tactical decision by the coach. Instead, it was a calculated protest against the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns a majority stake in the club and several other giants in the Kingdom.
The roots of the dispute were multifaceted. Ronaldo was reportedly frustrated with perceived inequality in investment, especially after rivals strengthened their squads during the January transfer window while his own side made limited moves. He also had concerns about Al-Nassr‘s autonomy, believing that the PIF’s influence over executives and strategic decisions undermined the club’s sporting vision.
His protest had tangible consequences. The 41-year-old superstar missed league games against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad, sending a powerful message that went beyond soccer. The Saudi Pro League issued a warning, stating that no individual player could dictate decisions beyond their own club, while the PIF defended its financial discipline and management approach.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr
Al-Nassr on verge of renewing Ronaldo’s trusted teammate
While Ronaldo’s boycott dominated headlines, a quieter but equally important development was unfolding in the background. The club opened formal discussions to extend the contract of a key midfield figure, regarded as a cornerstone of the team’s structure and an essential part of Ronaldo’s support system on the pitch.
This player is Marcelo Brozovic, the Croatian midfielder whose current contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Negotiations are reportedly initially in their preliminary stages, with the player and his representatives awaiting a formal meeting to discuss terms. Despite interest from European clubs, Brozovic reportedly prioritizes staying in Riyadh, underlining his importance to the club’s long-term project.
Now, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Youm, the midfielder has already given initial approval to remain beyond his current deal, pending final contract details. This development comes at the request of coach Jorge Jesus, who is keen to retain his experience and tactical influence.
Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr.
Why Brozovic matters to Ronaldo and the club
For Ronaldo, the potential renewal of his trusted midfield partner represents more than just squad depth. It is a sign that the club is listening, restructuring, and building around a core he believes in. After weeks of tension, protest, and public scrutiny, this development suggests a reset—a step toward restoring confidence in the project.
Brozovic’s significance goes far beyond goals and assists. This season, he has played 24 matches, scoring once and providing four assists, but his real value lies in controlling tempo, stabilizing midfield transitions, and linking defense with attack. For Ronaldo, having a reliable midfield orchestrator allows him to focus on scoring, knowing the engine room is secure.
Julián Álvarez was subject of a mysterious message from Barcelona president Rafael Yuste
Barcelona are looking for a striker who can replace Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker is 37 years old, which means they need to find a successor soon. The player who best fits the profile is Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez.
The Argentine forward was not heavily pursued when he left Manchester City for Spain. However, he has since become an ideal candidate. The main issue is his price tag of around €100 million, which Barcelona cannot afford. For most clubs, that would make the transfer impossible, but interim president Rafael Yuste left the door open.
Yuste left a hard-to-read message when talking to the press in the Spanish capital: “There has already been some rapport. We have known everyone for years, and so one day, as always, it will be very nice.”
Álvarez’s season with Atlético Madrid
Álvarez’s first season with Atlético Madrid was outstanding. He scored 17 goals in 37 La Liga matches, finishing with 29 goals in 57 appearances across all competitions. His most notable moment, unfortunately, was the penalty that was ruled a miss for a slight double touch in the Champions League Round of 16 against Real Madrid.
Álvarez’s penalty miss (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
This season, his performance has not been as strong. After a promising start with the team, this year has not matched his usual standards. With only seven La Liga goals in 23 matches, the reduced output of the current lineup has affected his numbers.
Despite this clear dip in form, Barcelona’s interest remains intact. If the price is right for both sides, Álvarez could be a strong addition for the Catalan side in the next transfer window.
Financial strategy behind a potential move
Barcelona’s ability to pursue a high-profile signing will largely depend on its financial planning over the coming months. The club continues to operate under strict spending limits imposed by La Liga’s financial regulations, meaning any major investment would likely require player sales to balance the books.
Club executives are evaluating their wage structure and potential departures as they prepare for the next transfer window. Any serious approach for Álvarez would need to fit within those financial restrictions before negotiations could realistically move forward.
Julián Álvarez has been linked to Barcelona for months
Cruz Azul play against Vancouver FC in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup first round. Below is all the key information you need, including the date, venue, kickoff time, and options to watch or live stream the match in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Cruz Azul vs Vancouver FC on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Cruz Azul vs Vancouver FC
WHAT
CONCACAF Champions Cup
WHEN
8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT • Thursday, February 12, 2026
Cruz Azul hold a commanding position heading into the return leg after delivering a dominant 3–0 road win in the opener, a result that matched their status as heavy favorites. With the series now shifting back home, the Cementeros look poised to close it out.
Vancouver FC, meanwhile, must push forward from the start in search of a near-miracle comeback that could change the tone of the night—don’t miss this clash as one side aims to finish the job and the other fights to keep its hopes alive.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League continues to deliver headline-grabbing drama, and the latest twist involves Karim Benzema, Darwin Nunez, and a club forced to make ruthless choices.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League continues to deliver headline-grabbing drama, and the latest twist involves Karim Benzema, Darwin Nunez, and a club forced to make ruthless choices. As the arms race for global stars intensifies, the ripple effects of one blockbuster transfer have triggered a domino reaction that few anticipated.
With Benzema’s immediate impact, Nunez’s uncertain future, and Ronaldo watching closely from the rival title race, the league has entered another volatile chapter; one that highlights how power, prestige, and quotas collide in modern soccer. The Saudi Pro League’s winter transfer window has been defined by ambition and spectacle. Karim Benzema’s switch from rivals Al-Ittihad toAl-Hilalsent shockwaves across the region, with the French legend making an immediate statement by scoring a hat-trick on debut.
His arrival wasn’t just symbolic. It was transformational. For a club chasing domestic dominance and continental glory, the Frenchman’s presence reshaped the internal hierarchy overnight. But with strict foreign player limits in place, the arrival of one superstar meant another would have to make way. And that is where Darwin Nunez found himself at the center of an unexpected storm.
Midway through the restructuring, the club made a decision that stunned supporters and analysts alike. Darwin Nunez has been omitted from the Saudi Pro League squad following Karim Benzema’s arrival, meaning he can now only feature in the AFC Champions League for the remainder of the season.
Darwin Nunez of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring
According to Coluna Do Fla, foreign registration limits forced management to make difficult choices after Benzema took one of the available slots. The same fate reportedly befell defender Pablo Marí, underlining the ruthlessness of squad planning at the elite level. This move represents a dramatic fall from grace for Nunez, who joined for $63million last summer amid huge expectations and was supposed to be a cornerstone of the project.
Performance, pressure, and the Benzema effect
Nunez’s time in Saudi Arabia has been mixed. In 23 appearances, he scored seven goals and provided five assists, numbers that were deemed underwhelming for a club targeting silverware. His performances, combined with Benzema’s explosive start, pushed him down the pecking order. As transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported, “the league leader has now removed the Uruguayan from the league squad.”
That statement sent shockwaves through soccer circles and raised immediate questions about his future. The 38-year-old veteran’s arrival didn’t just add competition; it fundamentally altered the club’s tactical and commercial priorities. A Ballon d’Or winner with a legendary pedigree, Benzema instantly became the focal point, leaving Nunez with limited opportunities and a diminished role.
Repeat of Firmino and Neymar’s cases
The decision wasn’t purely tactical—it was structural. Saudi clubs are restricted in the number of foreign players they can register for domestic competitions, and Benzema’s arrival forced management to reshuffle the list.
This mirrors past situations, such as when Roberto Firmino and Neymar faced a similar fate, highlighting how the league’s regulations can abruptly change careers. For Nunez, the consequence is severe: he will miss domestic league action and can only play a handful of continental matches this season.
The draw for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League has been completed, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have reason to celebrate.
While the world’s top national teams are currently focused on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, other upcoming commitments are starting to emerge on the horizon. One of those is the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will aim to defend the title they won last year.
The European tournament will begin in September, during the first FIFA international break following the World Cup in North America. On Thursday, the draw was held to determine the groups for each of the four divisions.
Portugal were arguably the biggest beneficiaries of the draw, avoiding some of the toughest possible opponents. Spain, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Croatia all rank among the top 13 in the FIFA Rankings, making them formidable rivals.
Instead, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates were placed in Group A4, the only group without any of those top-ranked teams. Portugal will face Denmark (21st in FIFA rankings), Norway (32nd), and Wales (35th) as they compete for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.
How does the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 work?
All UEFA member nations participate in the Nations League. Teams are divided into four divisions based on competitive level and recent results, with promotion and relegation systems similar to club leagues.
In the top division, the most competitive teams are placed into four groups of four. In the first round, each team plays home-and-away matches against the others in their group. After six games, the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals. The tournament is scheduled to conclude in the summer of 2027.
League A groups:
Group A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Türkiye
Group A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece
Group A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czechia
Group A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the Nations League?
Cristiano Ronaldo turned 41 last week. He remains a key figure in soccer despite his age and will be one of the main attractions at the 2026 World Cup. However, his international future after the tournament in North America is unclear. Similar to Lionel Messi, the next World Cup could be Ronaldo’s last major challenge with Portugal, as it is hard to imagine him starting a new four-year World Cup cycle at his age.
That said, the one-year duration of the UEFA Nations League could be enough motivation for him to continue. If he decides to participate, Ronaldo will be aiming for his third Nations League title, having previously won the tournament with Portugal in 2018-19 and 2024-25.
Following their impressive winning streak, Barcelona now face Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal. Although Hansi Flick is without Raphinha and Marcus Rashford, he also caused surprise by leaving Robert Lewandowski out of the starting lineup.
While the defeat against Real Sociedad raised doubts among supporters, Barcelona managed to turn things around, stringing together six consecutive victories. As a result, they enter the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atlético Madrid as clear favorites. Unlike previous matches, however, the Blaugrana are dealing with the significant absences of Raphinha and Marcus Rashford. Even so, Hansi Flick stunned many by naming Robert Lewandowski on the bench.
Robert Lewandowski is in peak physical condition and even scored in the recent match against RCD Mallorca. However, coach Hansi Flick chose to start Ferran Torres instead, a decision seemingly based purely on tactics. Despite this, the Polish striker may still get playing time, as he sits on the bench, ready to leverage his experience and goal-scoring prowess to make a difference.
Although the Polish absence is surprising, Ferran Torres is a fairly safe bet, as he has been the team’s top scorer this season. In addition, the Spaniard offers ideal tactical flexibility to face Atlético Madrid’s strong defense, which is a real advantage. Furthermore, he played only a few minutes against Mallorca, so he is in better physical condition than Lewandowski, who has started two consecutive games.
Alongside the Spaniard, Hansi Flick has decided to rely on Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo in attack, seeking fluid movement up front to unsettle Atlético Madrid’s defenders. However, Barcelona will also place their hopes in Fermín López’s scoring ability, as he has netted 10 goals this season. With such impressive squad depth at his disposal, the Blaugranas should not face major obstacles in securing a place in the Copa del Rey final.
Robert Lewandowski could be facing his final season at Barcelona
Unlike previous seasons, Robert Lewandowski is no longer an undisputed starter at Barcelona. Alongside his physical issues, the veteran has experienced a drop in form, remaining far from the level he showed in earlier campaigns. As a result, the Blaugranas have delayed offering the Polish striker a contract renewal, even setting specific conditions to extend his deal.
Mexico U17 face Trinidad & Tobago U17 on Matchday 5 of the CONCACAF U-17 World Cup qualifying tournament. Viewers across the USA can follow the contest live, with full kickoff information and broadcast options listed here for both television coverage and streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Mexico U17 vs Trinidad & Tobago U17 on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Mexico U17 vs Trinidad & Tobago U17
WHAT
CONCACAF U-17 World Cup qualification
WHEN
6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT • Thursday, February 12, 2026
With qualification scenarios coming down to the final whistle, Mexicoenters this U-17 World Cup qualifier in full control thanks to a dominant +17 goal differential that leaves the regional powerhouse needing only to avoid a heavy defeat to punch its ticket to the global stage.
Trinidad and Tobago arrives knowing the math is unforgiving, as only an unlikely five-goal win would flip the standings, shifting the focus toward ending the campaign on a competitive note against elite opposition.
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With sensational performances from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, and Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid secured a 4-0 win over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals, moving closer to the final.
Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona faced off at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Thursday in the first leg of the 2026 Copa del Rey semifinals. Behind standout performances from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez, the Colchoneros took a major step toward the final with a 4-0 victory.
The game quickly tilted in Atletico’s favor when Eric García played the ball back to Joan García, but the goalkeeper failed to control it and let it slip under his foot for an own goal in the sixth minute. Then in the 14th, Nahuel Molina combined well with Antoine Griezmann, with the French forward finishing the move to make it 2-0.
With Barcelona far from its best and Lamine Yamal unable to break down a well-organized defense, Atletico extended the lead with a right-to-left move as Julian Alvarez slipped the ball to Lookman, who scored the third in the 33rd minute. To cap a dominant first half, the Nigerian winger returned the favor by finding the Argentine at the edge of the box, where Alvarez unleashed a thunderous strike to make it 4-0 in stoppage time.
In the second half, Barcelona had a goal controversially disallowed, while Atletico also threatened to add to the margin but missed several clear chances. With the second leg scheduled for March 3, the Colchoneros have taken a commanding step toward the Copa del Rey final after a comfortable 4-0 home win.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring against FC Barcelona.
Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain, with reported offers from AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Major League Soccer, among others.
Robert Lewandowski has been the subject of rumors and speculation for some time, with reported interest from clubs such as AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. In that context, the Polish striker has reportedly set a deadline to determine his future with Barcelona.
“Until April, once the club’s presidential elections on March 15 have passed, he will not make a decision,”Mundo Deportivo reported Thursday. That timeline makes sense, considering that the call on whether to offer him a new contract will fall to whoever wins the election, creating as many possible scenarios as there are presidential candidates.
What appears clear is the main factor that will guide Lewandowski’s decision. “At this stage, money is not the most important thing for the Polish player, as he is seeking stability and family happiness,” the report adds. “For that very reason, he will prioritize Barcelona if the renewal offer, even at a reduced salary, reflects the level of a striker of his caliber.”
The 37-year-old offered a similar response some time ago when asked about his professional ambitions for next season. “It’s not about cutting my salary in half. A lot depends on the club’s plan and what I want,” Robert said during an appearance on the High Performance podcast.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on during a LaLiga EA Sports match.
Lewandowski’s options if he leaves Barcelona
If Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona fail to reach an agreement on a contract extension, he would be free to negotiate with any club in the world. However, any deal would only become official on July 1, when he officially enters free agency.
It is well known that Chicago Fire made a formal offer to Lewandowski to join MLS this year, although that is just one of several options available to him. “Milan, Atletico, Fenerbahce and Saudi Arabia are also on the horizon, though with less certainty,” Mundo Deportivo reported.
Atletico Madrid and AC Milan would undoubtedly be the most attractive options from a sporting standpoint, as both are major clubs competing in top European leagues. Fenerbahce also offers the opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League, a factor that could influence his final decision.
The Saudi Pro League represents a completely different scenario. There, financial power has been the primary recruiting tool, with salary offers far beyond what most other leagues can provide. If that approach was enough to lure stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar in the past, it would not be surprising if it also appealed to Robert Lewandowski.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on during a training session.
Despite Michael Carrick’s impressive level as interim coach, Manchester United remain attentive to appointing a permanent head coach. However, one of their main candidates has renewed his contract, bringing the Englishman closer to continuing in charge of the team.
Ruben Amorim’s departure may have been heavily criticized, but Manchester United have seemingly made the right call by turning to Michael Carrick. In his short time in charge, the Englishman has transformed the team’s reality, restoring its competitiveness. Despite this, the Red Devils remain attentive to several candidates to take over the squad. However, one of their main targets has renewed his contract, bringing Carrick even closer to continuing in the role.
Despite being strongly linked with Manchester United, Thomas Tuchel decided to renew his contract with the FA (Football Association), keeping him as England’s head coach until 2028. As a result, the Red Devils are forced to abandon the option of appointing the German as their manager after the 2026 World Cup, as he has expressed his desire to build a successful sporting project with the national team.
Although the German was Manchester United’s top priority, the club still maintains a list of alternatives ahead of the 2026–27 season. However, Luis Enrique, another leading candidate, has also reportedly ruled out a move to the team, choosing instead to focus on his successful tenure at PSG, according to the Daily Mirror. Therefore, the options of Roberto De Zerbi and Oliver Glasner now emerge as the only realistic ones.
Amidst the growing uncertainty surrounding the Red Devils, Michael Carrick’s prospects as a permanent head coach are gradually gaining momentum. According to Sky Sports, they have decided to invite the Englishman to be part of the list of candidates to coach the team. Although this may seem minor, it is a significant change, as he was not even considered an option. If the team continues to perform impressively, he could become the favorite candidate.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick celebrates a goal.
Michael Carrick attracts the attention of two Premier League teams
Despite not having extensive experience, Michael Carrick has managed to completely transform Manchester United. Not only has he managed to secure four wins in five games, but he has also managed to impose a clear style of play. Since the Englishman’s arrival, the team has regained defensive consistency and a brilliant midfield. As a result, the coach has attracted the attention of two Premier League teams, amid uncertainty over his future with the Red Devils.
According to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur have identified Michael Carrick as one of the main candidates to manage the team, alongside Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi. At the same time, Crystal Palace are also keeping the Englishman among their top options, as head coach Oliver Glasner is set to leave as a free agent, reports FootballInsider. As a result, Red Devils’ uncertainty could also cost them the chance to secure Carrick.
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United during the Premier League match.
With the title race tightening and expectations rising around the American star, the Rossoneri face a crucial moment in their campaign, and the uncertainty surrounding Pulisic’s availability has become one of the key talking points ahead of the clash with Pisa.
Christian Pulisic and Massimiliano Allegri stand at the center of Milan’s latest fitness dilemma as the club prepares to return to Serie A action after a disrupted schedule and mounting injury concerns. With the title race tightening and expectations rising around the American star, the Rossoneri face a crucial moment in their campaign, and the uncertainty surrounding Pulisic’s availability has become one of the key talking points ahead of the clash with Pisa.
For Allegri, managing Pulisic’s recovery is part of a broader balancing act between immediate results and long-term ambitions. The winger’s season has been defined by flashes of brilliance interrupted by physical setbacks, and the latest update on his condition adds another layer of intrigue to Milan’s tactical plans.
Pulisic’s campaign has been a tale of promise and frustration. The American winger has been one of the club’s most productive players this season, scoring 10 goals in 20 appearances, yet his rhythm has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries. A hamstring tear on international duty, recurring muscular problems, and, most recently, bursitis near the hip have limited his minutes and consistency.
Despite his explosive start to the campaign, the 27-year-old star has failed to register a goal contribution in 2026, a stark contrast to his early-season form. His availability has fluctuated, and Allegri has often been forced to manage his workload carefully to avoid aggravating lingering issues.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan in action against David de Gea goalkeeper of ACF Fiorentina
Milan visits Pisa with aim to extend unbeaten run
Milan enters the clash with Pisa sitting near the top of the Serie A table and chasing both Champions League qualification and a potential title push. Allegri’s side has remained unbeaten in the league for an extended stretch of 22 league games and is fresh off a convincing victory over Bologna, achieved without Pulisic in the squad.
The fixture congestion ahead adds urgency to every decision. With multiple league matches packed into a short window, Allegri must rotate wisely while maintaining momentum in a tightly contested title race involving Inter and other challengers.
What did Allegri say about Pulisic?
As speculation grew around Pulisic’s readiness, Allegri finally clarified the situation during his pre-match press conference. The Milan coach confirmed that the winger has returned to group training and is available for selection, but with significant limitations. “Pulisic will be available. He trained with the team for the first time yesterday, but he only has 15-20 minutes in his legs,” Allegri explained.
That brief window of potential playing time reveals both progress and caution. Pulisic is fit enough to feature off the bench, but not ready to start, highlighting the delicate balance Milan must strike between using his attacking quality and protecting his long-term fitness.
Even with limited minutes, the USMNT ace could play a decisive role against Pisa. Allegri hinted that the American winger may be used as an impact substitute, especially with other attackers like Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku, and Niclas Fullkrug competing for starting roles.
AC Milan's Massimiliano Allegri and Christian Pulisic.
Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will be clashing on Thursday for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will face off at the Metropolitano on Thursday in the first leg of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey semifinals. With both teams dealing with several key absences, the Colchonero and the Blaugrana will be eager to take the first step toward reaching the final in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
The team coached by Diego Simeone heads into the clash in inconsistent form, having missed out on the UEFA Champions League top eight after a 2-1 home defeat to Bodo/Glimt, and posting four wins, three draws, and three losses over its last 10 games. Although Atletico reached the semifinal stage with a dominant 5-0 win over Real Betis, the Madrid side was stunned at home last Sunday with a 1-0 defeat by the Canaries, further evidence of its recent inconsistency.
On the other hand, Barcelona is in excellent form, sitting atop La Liga while riding a stretch of 17 wins and one loss over its last 18 matches. The Blaugrana reached the semifinals after a 2-1 win over Albacete, which had previously knocked out Real Madrid, and will face a top-flight Spanish side in the competition for the first time this edition.
For Atletico, USMNT standout Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios are the most notable absences, while Barcelona will be without top-tier stars such as Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, and Pedri. Even so, both teams are expected to go all out with a potential Copa del Rey final against either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao at stake.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona challenges for the ball against Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid looking to reverse the trend against Barcelona
Recently, Barcelona has been a major problem for Simeone’s side. In the last 10 meetings across La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Barcelona has recorded eight wins, with Atletico’s last victory coming in December 2024, along with a thrilling 4-4 draw last season.
However, the history of direct knockout ties between the clubs is more balanced. In 23 head-to-head knockout matchups (excluding this one), Barcelona has advanced 14 times, while Atletico Madrid has done so nine times, offering a glimmer of hope for the capital club.
Confirmed lineups for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona
Atletico Madrid’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Marcos Llorente, Koke, Antoine Griezmann; Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Ademola Lookman. Head coach: Diego Simeone.
FC Barcelona’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan García; Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Dani Olmo; Ferran Torres. Head coach: Hansi Flick.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona and Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid.
After carrying the club’s attack for much of the season and emerging as one of Serie A’s most decisive figures, the American suddenly found himself battling silence rather than headlines.
The start of 2026 has felt unusually quiet for Christian Pulisic. After carrying the club’s attack for much of the season and emerging as one of Serie A’s most decisive figures, the American suddenly found himself battling silence rather than headlines. Goals dried up, assists stopped flowing, and injuries once again crept into the narrative. Yet inside the club, there is a sense of calm rather than panic.
Christian Pulisic remains central to the project, and Massimiliano Allegri continues to treat him as a cornerstone of Milan’s ambitions. The sense is that what is happening now is a pause rather than a decline, and that the version of Pulisic everyone expects to see at the 2026 World Cup is still on the way.
Only months ago, the 27-year-old was the undisputed focal point of the club’s attack. Goals, assists, and decisive actions flowed through him as Milan pushed into the title race and established itself among Europe’s most dangerous sides. But as the calendar flipped to the new year, the rhythm changed. Across five matches in the new year in which he has played, the American failed to register a goal or an assist, an unusual drought for a player who remains the club’s leading scorer with 10 goals in all competitions.
The limited influence in his most recent appearance before his injury layoff, the 1-1 draw away to Roma, highlighted the shift. Coming on in the 69th minute, he struggled to shape the game as the Rossoneri prioritized protecting a result rather than unleashing their full attacking potential. The numbers didn’t reflect his broader impact. However, they did underscore that something was missing.
The real explanation for the unexpected dip in form
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic has been dealing with lingering physical issues that have quietly limited his training and match sharpness. Milan boss Allegri previously acknowledged this situation, admitting that the winger was not fully fit and that his physical limitations were affecting his decision-making in the final third.
“He’s still not 100 percent. He’s doing well, even if he’s still not physically fit with this minor flexor issue,” the coach explained. He added pointedly that Pulisic had been “making some poor passing choices and delaying plays a bit.” That insight reframed the narrative. The dip was not tactical, psychological, or a sudden loss of quality; it was physical. Explosiveness, sharpness, and confidence in tight spaces all depend on full fitness, and Pulisic has rarely enjoyed that luxury this season.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan in action against David de Gea goalkeeper of ACF Fiorentina
What did Pulisic say about his fitness?
The club’s upcoming schedule offers breathing room, giving Pulisic a valuable opportunity to reset physically. Thus, despite the noise around his recent performances, this is not being treated as a crisis. Analysts remain split, with some expressing concern over recurring injuries, while others argue there is still ample time before the World Cup for everything to fall into place.
Then came the moment that quietly shifted the tone. Speaking about his condition to Access Hollywood, the American has offered a brief but revealing update on his fitness. “It’s going well. I feel much better. I’m close to being where I want to be (physically). I’m positive.”
Those nine words—“I’m close to being where I want to be”—carried more weight than any stat line or tactical breakdown. For a player whose career has often been shaped by stop-start rhythms and recurring setbacks, the suggestion of genuine physical progress is significant.
This season alone, he has dealt with a hamstring tear, bursitis near the hip, and other minor problems that have limited his availability and minutes. Since returning from his October injury, he has scored just four goals, all before 2026 began, highlighting how interruptions have stalled his rhythm.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts on the sidelines
With Alvaro Arbeloa's arrival, Real Madrid have maintained consistent results; however, issues in the midfield remain. Additionally, locker room tensions allegedly persist, with claims of Arda Guler being bullied. In response, the Turkish player has responded by publicly denying these rumors.
Álvaro Arbeloa promised to elevate Real Madrid, but they continue to raise serious doubts as they fail to shine in midfield. In addition, they were defeated by Benfica in their most recent UEFA Champions League match, leaving them in the playoffs. Alongside this, Los Blancos are still surrounded by rumors of issues in the dressing room, with alleged bullying of Arda Güler being the latest. In response, the Turkish player decided to break his silence on social media.
In a recent interview with Sports Digitale, Arda Guler’s former coach, Serhat Pekmezci, stated that the Turkish player was having problems in the Real Madrid dressing room. “Arda Guler is being subjected to mobbing… The harassment came from the players; there is a group there that has not been able to accept Arda; unfortunately, they are players with very high egos.” In light of these statements, the 20-year-old decided to deny the information.
“I have followed with sadness the recent public statements made by former scouting chief, Mr. Serhat Pekmezci… From my very first day, I have been warmly welcomed by everyone within this club, and I have always regarded this place as a family. I am extremely proud to be a Real Madrid player and wish to serve this badge for many years to come…I kindly ask that no attention be paid to any comments or reports written or spoken on this matter,” Arda Guler posted, via Instagram.
Despite being just 20 years old, Arda has already managed to become one of the most used players at Real Madrid. Dismissing any rumor of dressing room issues, the Turkish star has established himself as one of the pillars of the club’s future, surpassing Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo Goes, and Franco Mastantuono in minutes played. Moreover, he has already cemented himself as a creative cornerstone of the team, contributing 12 assists and 3 goals in 35 appearances.
Arda Guler of Real Madrid.
Arda Güler’s breakout could shake up Real Madrid’s attack
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Arda Güler has solidified his status as a key asset for Real Madrid, consistently featuring in the midfield and on the right wing. At just 20 years old, the Turkish star has already become a starter, demonstrating an impressive ability to make a difference on the field. While his goal-scoring may not be prolific, he leads the team in assists with 12. With his emergence, Los Blancos may consider making significant changes to their roster.
Rodrygo, Franco Mastantuono, and Brahim Díaz all share the same position as Arda Güler, creating certain complications. With the Turkish player now an undisputed starter in the team, Real Madrid could be forced to let one of these players leave. In that context, the Brazilian’s departure appears to be the most likely option, as it could generate a substantial transfer fee and allow him to pursue a more prominent role.
In case the Brazilian ultimately leaves the club, Real Madrid could find in Mastantuono, Brahim, and Güler an ideal level of versatility to shine in multiple roles. Whether in midfield, on either wing, or in attack, they could be key to ensuring smooth squad rotation while gaining significantly more prominence within the team.
Arda Guler of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Real Madrid are preparing to face Real Sociedad in La Liga, and all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe.
Amid a challenging stretch marked by disappointing results across multiple competitions, one of the few bright spots for Real Madrid this season has been Kylian Mbappe. However, the French forward is now a concern heading into the La Liga matchup against Real Sociedad.
“Mbappe stayed inside the training facilities for the second consecutive day and is doubtful for the match against Real Sociedad,” Marca reported Thursday. “The Frenchman is still dealing with discomfort in his left knee and is following a specific plan to finally resolve the issues that have lingered since the end of last year.”
Indeed, the forward has not been able to train normally this week due to a lack of full fitness. On Thursday, just as he did Wednesday, he did not participate in on-field training with his teammates and instead worked separately in the gym.
Knee problems have been a concern for Mbappe in recent months. For that reason, he missed a La Liga match against Real Betis in early January, as well as the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atletico Madrid and the Copa del Rey matchup against Albacete, which ended in Real Madrid’s elimination.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid.
How have Real Madrid fared without Mbappe this season?
There is no need to dig too deeply into the numbers to understand Kylian Mbappe’s importance to Real Madrid. He is the team’s leading scorer this season, with 38 goals in 31 matches. Add his five assists, and he is averaging 1.38 goal contributions per game.
That importance is reflected not only in his individual statistics but also in the team’s overall results. Over the course of the season, Mbappe has been absent for four Real Madrid matches, one in each competition.
In those games, Los Blancos recorded two wins (against Real Betis in La Liga and Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup) and two losses (against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League and against Albacete in the Copa del Rey). That means without Mbappe, Real Madrid have secured just 50 percent of the available points.
Mbappe needs to be managed carefully
Given Mbappe’s impact, it would be logical for Real Madrid to do everything possible to have him on the field for Saturday’s clash against Real Sociedad. However, the situation is not that simple.
While La Liga remains a major objective for the Spanish side, which currently sits one point behind leaders Barcelona in the standings, the bigger picture cannot be ignored. Next week, Real Madrid will play a crucial first-leg Champions League playoff match against Benfica. Mbappe’s contribution could be even more vital in that contest, which may prompt coach Alvaro Arbeloa to rest him this weekend in league play.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona meet in the first leg of the 2025/26 Copa del Rey semifinal. Fans in the United States can watch the matchup live, with full kickoff information and broadcast options available for both TV and streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
WHAT
Copa del Rey
WHEN
3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Thursday, February 12, 2026
The road to the Copa del Rey title has taken a dramatic turn with Real Madrid out of the picture, leaving this showdown between Barcelonaand Atletico Madrid as the centerpiece of the tournament. Barcelona arrive in top form after grinding out a quarterfinal win against a stubborn Albacete and carrying the confidence of a La Liga leader.
On the other hand, Atleticoknow this first leg on home soil represents a pivotal opportunity to shape the tie before it moves to Catalonia. With both clubs viewed as the remaining favorites and a spot in the final on the line, this matchup has all the intensity of a championship clash—one soccer fans won’t want to miss.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Jerome Opoku discusses his unconventional path from London to Istanbul, overcoming a season-ending injury at 17, and his pride in representing Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
We are just four months away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will see Ghana face off against Panama in Toronto before taking on England in Foxborough, followed by a match-up against Croatia in Philadelphia. It is shaping up to be a challenging fixture list for the Black Stars, and one player who looks set to play a pivotal role in helping them navigate the “Group of Death” is Jerome Opoku.
Born in the South London borough of Lambeth, Opoku was raised in England by Ghanaian immigrants and rose through the ranks at Fulham’s academy before eventually cutting his teeth in League One for Accrington Stanley and Plymouth Argyle. He then made the move to Danish outfit Vejle Boldklub, where he established himself as one of the top central defenders in the Danish SuperLiga. After three straight loan spells, Opoku decided to call it quits on his Fulham adventure after 13 years, making the move to Portuguese outfit Arouca. Opoku established a rock-solid partnership in central defense alongside João Basso, forming the bedrock of a team that took the entire league by surprise.
Having narrowly avoided relegation in their return to the top flight in 2021/22, Arouca would ascend to the upper reaches of the table and qualify for European football for the second time ever after finishing fifth. These stellar displays would attract the attention of Süper Lig side İstanbul Başakşehir, and after a long-winded transfer saga, Opoku signed a one-year contract extension until 2026 with Arouca before joining Başakşehir on loan (later made permanent for a reported €1.5 million).
Opoku quickly made his presence felt, playing 32 times in all competitions to lead the Owls to a fourth-place finish and a trip to the Turkish Cup quarterfinals, before scoring three goals and four assists in 33 league appearances as Başakşehir placed fifth in the 2024/25 Süper Lig table. And whilst he was linked with a return to England in the summer, Opoku opted to stay put at Başakşehir, where he is contracted through 2027. Although he isn’t closing the door on a homecoming, he is more than happy in Istanbul, where he is raising his 10-month-old son, Rome, and his two-year-old son, Cruz, with his wife.
“As I always say, it’s God’s plan, so I think that if I just keep putting in the performances, whatever comes will kind of reflect on where I could be, or where I should be. For now, I’m here in Istanbul, and that’s what I’m focused on, but whatever happens is really God’s plan, so I’ve got to keep working hard and see what comes,” stated Opoku in an exclusive World Soccer Talkinterview.
It hasn’t been a conventional journey for Opoku, who started off idolizing Gareth Bale and dreamed of becoming a winger, only to be moved to left back by his U-15 coach Mark Pembridge. And after enjoying a growth spurt, he shifted to the center back role, where he has remained ever since. When he was 17, Opoku abandoned his academic studies in order to focus on becoming a professional footballer—just a few weeks later, Opoku suffered a season-ending ACL injury. And yet, it’s obvious that this adversity has paid off in the long term for Opoku, who has earned praise from the likes of Gabriele Marcotti and established himself as one of the very best defenders in Türkiye. He currently ranks second in their squad for 1.2 interceptions per 90 and 50.7 accurate passes (89% success rate) per 90 in league play, as well as third for 4.1 clearances per 90.
“I’ve really developed my all-around game since going to Başakşehir, in general terms of just being a defender. Being a defender first, making sure you can achieve the clean sheet, that’s the main focus when growing up, but a few years ago, I started to focus on a few more different things. Where I am now is just about not letting the striker score and coming back with that clean sheet; that’s where I get my main joy from now. Back then, maybe I’d be thinking, ‘Let me get a goal, let me take this guy on,’ but it’s not really the fundamentals of being a defender. The past couple of years have just been about keeping the clean sheet… that’s my main focus. If that goal goes in, then it hurts, so it’s just about keeping the goals down to a minimum and having a clean performance.”
Opoku hasn’t just made his mark at the club level, but the international level. One month after moving to Istanbul, Opoku received his maiden call-up for the Ghanaian national team, making his debut in a 4-0 defeat vs. the United States in Nashville, before missing out on the next two windows. He returned in March 2024, playing in two friendlies vs. Nigeria and Uganda before returning a year later to make his competitive debut vs. Chad in World Cup qualifying. He then started in a 3-0 win vs. Madagascar, missing out on the next two friendlies, before returning in September 2025 and playing the full 90 in a 1-0 win vs. Mali. He then made two late cameos vs. Mali and the Central African Republic, before watching from the bench as Ghana defeated Comoros and secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup. Opoku then headed to the Far East for the November friendlies, starting in a 2-0 defeat to Japan before riding the bench vs. South Korea.
“Growing up in South London, I had a lot of Ghanaian friends and Ghanaian neighbors at school; it was kind of like a community in itself. Of course, when you go to weddings and parties, you see a lot of Ghanaian family members, so it never leaves you. Now being able to go to the actual country frequently is amazing, because now I’m seeing more family members, making new friends and new relationships, and learning more about the culture. It’s amazing, it’s all good.”
At 27 years of age, Jerome Opoku has already established himself in England, Denmark, Portugal, and Türkiye. But now, can he leave his mark in his first-ever international tournament in North America and lead Ghana to the knockout round for the first time since 2010? Stay tuned for what promises to be a baptism of fire for Opoku and his Black Stars teammates.
Barcelona have managed to reverse their poor start to the season, imposing a forceful offensive rhythm led by Lamine Yamal. However, their defensive problems could continue, as a defensive star is attracting the attention of two Premier League teams, raising doubts about his future.
Despite an inconsistent start to the season, Barcelona have managed to remain among the best teams in the world. Led by Lamine Yamal, they have managed to impose a brilliant offense. However, the Blaugranas continue to struggle defensively, as the departure of Iñigo Martinez has been quite noticeable. Additionally, one of the team’s defensive pillars has attracted the attention of two Premier League teams, causing uncertainty among fans.
According to Diario Sport, Jules Koundé has become one of the top priorities for Chelsea and Liverpool to strengthen their defensive line. With a contract running until 2030, the Frenchman would not leave Barcelona easily, as he is key for Hansi Flick and has a €1000 million release clause. While the Blues remain at the level of mere interest, the Reds are willing to offer €80 million for his transfer, reports the Daily Mail.
Even though the Frenchman arrived in Barcelona as one of the best center-backs in LaLiga, Xavi Hernández backed his transformation into a right-back. Far from being overwhelmed by the role, Koundé became one of the best in the world in that position, turning into an undisputed starter for coach Hansi Flick and the team’s second-most used player. For that reason, Jules is reportedly not willing to leave the club.
The Blaugranas are indeed targeting a reshuffle in their defensive line, as Iñigo Martínez’s departure has exposed inconsistencies within the team. Although Koundé’s exit could pave the way for that change, both Barcelona and the player remain reluctant about such a possibility. In light of this, the futures of Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen remain uncertain, as the club is reportedly pursuing a world-class left-profile center-back.
Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona crosses the ball whilst under pressure.
Barcelona have no reliable backup plan for Jules Kounde
Due to Jules Koundé’s dominant performances at right-back, the Frenchman was no longer considered an option at center-back. As a result, Barcelona chose not to pursue a reliable backup for him, leading to a heavy workload and significant minutes on his legs. However, the 27-year-old star has seen a dip in form, and many believe it is linked to the high volume of minutes he has played. Yet, they have still not managed to secure a dependable replacement.
Both Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo have played as right-backs, but neither of them has been able to provide guarantees replacing Kounde. In view of this, the arrival of Joao Cancelo on loan midway through the season has been a lifesaver, as he has been able to give the Frenchman a rest. Despite this, the Portuguese player is unlikely to stay long term, as he is under contract with Al Hilal and Barcelona are reportedly unwilling to pay for his transfer.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Barcelona enter the Copa del Rey semifinals as clear favorites, having gone six consecutive matches unbeaten. However, Hansi Flick faces a significant challenge, as he will be unable to rely on either Raphinha or Marcus Rashford for the clash against Atlético Madrid.
Setting a high offensive tempo, Barcelona arrive in top form for their clash against Atlético Madrid. At the same time, they have regained defensive solidity by relying on Eric García and Pau Cubarsí at the back. While this could make them clear favorites, the Blaugranas head into the Copa del Rey semifinals without Raphinha and Marcus Rashford, forcing Hansi Flick to make adjustments to his lineup.
After missing the entire week of training, Raphinha has been ruled out of Hansi Flick’s roster due to a specific muscle overload that prevents him from running and changing direction, according to Víctor Navarro. To avoid a relapse of the thigh issue that has affected him throughout the season, Barcelona have decided to leave him out of the match against Atlético Madrid, aiming to have him at his best for the final stretch of the campaign.
Alongside the Brazilian’s absence, the Blaugranas also announced that Marcus Rashford will miss out after skipping the team’s latest training session. Following the game against RCD Mallorca, the Englishman has experienced pain in his left knee. While it is not considered a serious injury, the 28-year-old striker was left out of the squad as a precaution, as Hansi Flick did not believe he was fit to compete.
Despite these significant absences, Barcelona remain the favorite to clinch a spot in the Copa del Rey final. With strong squad depth, Hansi Flick can turn to Ferran Torres on the left wing, as he is also in excellent scoring form. In addition, Atlético Madrid are not in top shape, having won just two of their last six matches. Additionally, coach Diego Simeone will be without Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona challenges for the ball against Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.
Atlético Madrid lineup vs. Barcelona
Los Colchoneros are coming off a surprising defeat against Real Betis, but they managed to showcase an imposing level in the Copa del Rey, winning 5–0 in their most recent match. Moreover, Atlético Madrid have consistently demonstrated strong competitiveness against Barcelona, so they cannot be ruled out. In addition, the outstanding form of Ademola Lookman and Julián Álvarez promises to make the difference against Barcelona.
With this in mind, Atlético Madrid will play as follows:
Even though the absences of Raphinha and Marcus Rashford are the most recent ones, Barcelona have three other players unavailable: Pablo Gavi, Andreas Christensen, and Pedri. Nevertheless, Hansi Flick has strong squad depth, allowing them to maintain a high level of competitiveness. Facing forced rotations, the coach could opt to pair Lamine Yamal with Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo, aiming to create a significant scoring impact.
Considering this, Barcelona will lineup as follows:
With the Brazil friendlies in less than two months, Neymar's return with Santos has been reportedly delayed to avoid an injury setback.
Neymar‘s fitness has been one of the main storylines for Santos at the start of 2026, with the star beginning a recovery process to address the meniscus injury he suffered last year. Despite now training alongside the team, Neymar’s return to the pitch has reportedly been postponed to avoid a setback and ensure he is fit to rejoin the Brazil national team.
After undergoing surgery in December, Neymar has not appeared in any of the nine games Santos has played since the start of the year. The former Barcelona star has progressed steadily and is now taking part in training sessions with the rest of his teammates, but stadium conditions have led to his return being delayed.
As reported by Globo Esporte, Santos has decided to rest Neymar for Thursday’s Brasileirao game against Athletico Paranaense. The primary reason is the synthetic surface at Arena da Baixada, the opponent’s stadium, as the club looks to avoid any potential injury risk to its star.
The same situation applies to marquee signing Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa, who, unlike Neymar, did not participate in Wednesday’s training session and is dealing with muscle soreness. That leaves Santos without two key players after opening the 2026 Brazilian top-flight season with one draw and one loss.
Neymar training in Santos.
While Neymar has already recovered from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, skipping matches played on synthetic surfaces has been team policy since last season. Back on November 6, with the Peixe still in the relegation zone, the forward missed a match against Palmeiras that ended in a 2-0 defeat, as Allianz Parque uses turf.
After his standout performances helped Santos avoid relegation, Neymar’s last appearance came against Cruzeiro on December 7, meaning he has now gone more than two months without game action. His return is currently expected on Sunday the 15th, when Santos hosts Velo Clube in the final round of the Campeonato Paulista.
Will Neymar make it back to the Brazil national team?
With seven matches in the Campeonato Paulista and two in the Brasileirao already played, Neymar has missed nine games, and if he also sits out against Athletico Paranaense, that total will rise to 10. With the March international break less than two months away, questions are growing about whether the 34-year-old star will finally make his return to the national team.
Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, is set to travel to the United States to face France on the 26th and Croatia on the 31st. Before then, Santos has matches against Velo Clube, Vasco da Gama (02/26), Mirassol (03/10), Corinthians (03/15), Internacional (03/18), and Cruzeiro (03/22) — six opportunities, or possibly five given the tight schedule, for Neymar to convince the Italian manager to call him up and return to the Canarinha after more than two years.
With reports revealing interest from Premier League giants, an FC Barcelona captain has opened the door for Julian Alvarez to join them.
Julian Alvarez’s future at Atlético Madrid has come into question in recent weeks, not only because of his current form but also due to his role within the team, where he is far from the undisputed focal point. While several Premier League giants have reportedly shown interest in signing him, the Argentine has once again been linked with FC Barcelona after a team captain opened the door to a potential move.
Despite his status as one of the most complete strikers in the world, Alvarez’s 2025-26 season has fallen short of expectations. He has featured in 32 games for Atlético Madrid across all competitions but completed the full 90 minutes in only three of them, scoring 11 goals and currently sitting on a 100-day La Liga goal drought.
Unable to reach his full potential under coach Diego Simeone’s system, and with the club no longer seen as a top contender for major trophies (last season was his first without silverware since arriving in Europe), speculation about a possible departure has inevitably grown. One of the clubs most frequently linked with him is FC Barcelona, a team he has admitted he supported as a child when Lionel Messi was still at the club.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Barca captain Ronald Araújo shared his thoughts on Alvarez’s situation and a possible move after the World Cup: “He’s a great player — for me, he’s one of the best forwards in the world. You can see the quality he has. The best players should be at the best club, which is us. That’s obvious. But it’s not up to me to do that job or make that decision.“
Ronald Araújo of FC Barcelona.
Barcelona face several hurdles to sing Alvarez
Alvarez’s current situation at Atlético Madrid and Barcelona’s need to strengthen at striker next season make the idea of a move understandable. Star forward Robert Lewandowski, one of the highest-paid players in the squad, has a contract that expires at the end of the season, and at 37 years old, expectations point toward a possible departure.
Even if Barcelona free up significant salary space, they would still face major obstacles. Alvarez is under contract with Atlético until June 2030 and has a €500 million release clause, while reports suggest the Madrid club would demand a fee in the region of €100 million to sell, a figure widely considered out of reach for Barcelona unless a major sale takes place.
Chelsea and Arsenal also interested in Julian Alvarez
In addition to financial challenges, Barcelona would also face fierce competition from Premier League powers pursuing Alvarez. According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Chelsea have maintained steady contact regarding the striker, with both clubs receiving “positive reports” as they evaluate a potential blockbuster move in the summer window.
The outlet adds that the fee discussed could come in below £100 million, a range more manageable for clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea. Barcelona’s only potential edge is that one factor behind Alvarez leaving Manchester City was his desire to leave England for lifestyle reasons in Spain, though a strong sporting project could ultimately tilt the balance toward any suitor.
Monterrey will host Xelaju in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup first round. Below is all the key information you need, including the date, venue, kickoff time, and options to watch or live stream the match in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Monterrey vs Xelaju on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Monterrey vs Xelaju
WHAT
CONCACAF Champions Cup
WHEN
10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT • Wednesday, February 11, 2026
What was expected to be a routine opener turned into a reality check, as Monterreywas limited to a 1–1 draw in the first leg of this series. Back at home, the Liga MX side holds the edge with advancement on the line, but the tight opener showed the task will be far from simple.
Xelaju, one of the best teams in Central America, did what it needed to do by keeping the tie level and now travels to Mexico with confidence that an upset is possible, setting the stage for a matchup fans won’t want to miss.
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Barcelona's Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski were the important topics for sport director Deco
Barcelona is in a strong position to repeat the excellent season they had last year. They lead La Liga by one point over Real Madrid, are through to the Champions League round of 16, and are competing with Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Perhaps less visible than others, Deco has been one of the figures behind the club’s rebuild. He recently talked about the importance of Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski.
The former Portuguese midfielder now works as the sporting director of the institution, playing a key role in transfer decisions and contract renewals. He addressed several topics in an interview with Sport, including Rashford’s future.
Deco said: “We are happy with Rashford. It’s not easy coming here. He’s a footballer who has played at a very high level, with huge expectations like at Manchester United. He then had six months with Aston Villa, where he did a good job. I know they wanted to keep him, but he just wanted to come here, and that’s positive.”
About Rashford’s potential stay at the club, he added: “We have been able to get him on loan. Coming here and reducing his salary to make it happen was a demonstration that he really wanted to come. We are very happy about it. It’s a player that gives us a lot.”
Rashford arrived at Barcelona on a loan (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Deco was noncommittal with Robert Lewandowski
The other question mark for next season is also in attack. Lewandowski has been outstanding since arriving at the club in a difficult period, making his goals even more important in helping the team return to a competitive level after years of instability.
As the striker’s contract runs until the end of this season, the possibility of his departure becomes more realistic. Deco praised him as “the best number 9 of the past 10 years, there isn’t anyone like him,” before casting doubt on a contract extension.
On that topic, there was no definitive answer: “I think time will tell. Robert has his personal plans too, and from there we’ll see. Before that we also need to know more about how we stand with Financial Fair Play. We must clarify the future of the team and we aren’t there yet. When we know everything we can do, we will address every topic, like with Robert.”
Barcelona has clear needs for the transfer window
Even as one of the best teams in the world, there is still room for improvement. The striker position would need reinforcement if Rashford and Lewandowski leave, while center back is another area that could be strengthened to maintain competitiveness.
Deco confirmed those priorities when asked about those positions: “Yes, the idea goes that way, but sometimes things surprise you. I always say that four months in soccer are like four years in life. One month ago we won the Spanish Super Cup and it already feels like we haven’t won anything.”
Rashford and Lewandowski formed a great pairing in Barcelona
Minutes after the Herons confirmed the news through their official social media accounts, Messi himself shared a video on Instagram explaining the reasons behind the sudden decision, just two days before the friendly.
“Hello everyone. I wanted to send this message to the people of Puerto Rico, both those who were going to come to the training and to the game,” Leo began. “The truth is that in the last match in Ecuador I finished with a discomfort, which is why I left before the match ended,” the Argentine forward explained about last Saturday’s clash against Barcelona SC, in which he was substituted in the 57th minute.
“Together with the club and the organizers, it was decided to suspend this match, so I hope it can be rescheduled, that we can see each other, and that we can visit you soon,” the Inter Miami player added.
Finally, Messi closed his message with a warm greeting to the fans in Puerto Rico. “I want to send a big hug to all of you, and thank you for the love, because I know all the tickets were sold and we were going to see each other. I hope we can do it later. Sending you a big hug and all the best,” the Argentina star said.
New date set for Messi’s visit to Puerto Rico
Moments after sharing that message, Messi posted a new Instagram story with some great news for Puerto Rico fans: the rescheduled match against Independiente del Valle will now take place on Thursday, February 26, at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium.
“Unfortunately, I got injured in the last match, but we were really looking forward to seeing you, so together with the club we found an alternative date to play in Puerto Rico,” Messi wrote alongside the announcement. “We know how excited you are to see an Inter Miami match, and it will be really nice to do it soon.”
New Date! 🗓️
The final match of the 2026 preseason Champions Tour will be postponed until February 26. Shifting the match will allow for the best experience for our fans in Puerto Rico.
Lionel Messi’s physical issues come at an extremely inconvenient time. Inter Miami went through almost the entire preseason without any problems involving the Argentine forward, who now will need to be carefully evaluated ahead of the official season opener.
The Herons will debut in the 2026 Major League Soccer season on Saturday, February 21, against Los Angeles FC in California, in the league’s opening match. With just ten days until that game, it’s understandable that the club chose to postpone the Puerto Rico friendly, as their top priority from now on will undoubtedly be Messi’s recovery and condition.
With less than 48 hours for the game against Independiente del Valle, Inter Miami issued a discouraging injury update on Lionel Messi, prompting the postponement of the last preseason friendly.
Lionel Messi raised alarms over the last few hours ahead of the final preseason friendly after not being spotted at Wednesday’s training session in Fort Lauderdale. With less than 48 hours before the clash against Independiente del Valle, Inter Miami have now issued a discouraging injury update on the star’s condition.
With media attending the training ground in Fort Lauderdale, one of several stars absent during Wednesday’s session — from the first 15 minutes open to reporters — was Messi. Reports quickly began to surface, even putting into question the star’s availability for Friday’s game in Puerto Rico against IDV.
Later on Wednesday, Inter Miami released a statement addressing the player’s condition: “Messi did not participate in training this Wednesday, February 11, due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring sustained during the match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador, which has persisted since then.“
Messi played 56 minutes in the match in Guayaquil against Barcelona, the fewest among the three friendlies Inter Miami have played so far, and now concerns over his fitness have surfaced. “His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” the statement added, without providing a specific recovery timeline.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami during the Barcelona SC game.
Tadeo Allende, who finally joined Inter Miami after completing his paperwork to play for the team, spoke to the media on Wednesday and revealed he spoke with Messi. “Yes, Leo was here today, he did some indoor work and we talked a lot, he asked me about my vacation and we discussed other topics. He welcomed me very well, it was great to see him again,” the forward said, without offering any update on his condition.
In the friendly against Alianza Lima, the Argentine star played until the 63rd minute, and against Atlético Nacional until the 76th, with head coach Javier Mascherano previously outlining a plan to gradually increase his minutes during upcoming matches. After recording one goal and one assist in Ecuador, he was subbed off early in the 58th minute for Luis Suárez.
Messi’s injury prompts game postponement
With the friendly against Independiente del Valle originally scheduled for Friday, Messi’s injury has prompted a sudden change of plans in Inter Miami’s schedule. The squad had been set to travel to Puerto Rico on Thursday, hold a training session open to the public, and then play at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón.
Minutes after releasing Messi’s injury update, Inter Miami announced the postponement of the game against Independiente del Valle. The Herons will still travel to Puerto Rico to face the Ecuadorian side, but the match has now been rescheduled for February 26.
Will Messi be available for the MLS opener vs. LAFC?
Currently at the end of their preseason tour that took the team to several countries across South America, anticipation is building for Inter Miami’s 2026 MLS opener against Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC. With the match set to be played at the LA Memorial Coliseum, questions remain about whether Messi could miss the season opener.
While Inter Miami has not specified the severity of the strain, data from the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, indicates that the average recovery time for a professional footballer with a hamstring injury is approximately 17 to 21 days. Given the club’s ‘gradual return’ protocol, a similar timeline would place Messi’s availability right at the doorstep of the MLS season opener against LAFC on February 21.
Despite his imposing impact at Real Madrid, Antonio Rüdiger is reportedly heading toward an exit from the club at the end of the season. In light of this, the German defender is reportedly attracting interest from three Premier League teams.
After making a significant impact at Chelsea, Antonio Rüdiger established himself as the leader of Real Madrid‘s defense. His defensive prowess, strategic understanding, and experience played a crucial role in securing the 2024 UEFA Champions League title. However, he has faced a series of physical issues that have cast doubt on his future. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, he reportedly attracts interest from three Premier League teams.
According to TEAMtalk, Antonio Rüdiger has not yet received a new contract offer from Real Madrid, prompting the veteran to consider his future. As a result, he is reportedly open to a return to the Premier League. After shining at Chelsea, the German defender is well regarded by Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, and West Ham as a potential leader of their backline. However, he has not reached an agreement with any of those clubs so far.
Even though he once became a key figure at Real Madrid, Rüdiger has suffered a torn lateral meniscus along with thigh and knee injuries that have affected his continuity over the past two seasons. In addition, the emergence of Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio has slowed down contract renewal talks, as the club is aiming to sign a younger replacement. Nonetheless, the veteran remains a key asset for coach Alvaro Arbeloa, covering Eder Militao’s injury.
Heading into the final stretch of the season, Real Madrid are aiming to help Antonio Rüdiger regain his best form, as he is coming off a knee injury and was benched in the previous match against Valencia. According to Diario AS, Los Blancos want the German to be in peak physical condition to face Benfica on February 17, as his experience could prove decisive alongside Dean Huijsen.
Ivan Martin of Girona is tackled by Antonio Ruediger of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid reportedly chase a revolution in their defensive line
Although Real Madrid managed to dominate European soccer with Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão anchoring the defense, both players have dealt with serious physical issues that have limited the team’s overall performance. Moreover, the emergence of Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen has not been enough able to replicate the same defensive solidity. With this in mind, Los Blancos are reportedly planning a drastic overhaul of their backline.
According to Spanish media reports, Real Madrid are not only considering Rüdiger’s departure, but also those of David Alaba and Dani Carvajal. While they have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of Barcelona, Los Blancos would back the continuity of Trent Alexander-Arnold and David Jiménez at right-back. With this approach, the club aims to restore its defensive consistency.
Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
France star Ousmane Dembele had harsh words for an Argentina player in Ligue 1, adding another chapter to the rivalry that emerged between the two national teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina and France delivered one of the most thrilling World Cup finals in history at Qatar 2022. The drama of such a high-stakes showdown also fueled tensions between the two sides, with several heated individual battles. Now, Ousmane Dembele has found himself at the center of a curious exchange with a Ligue 1 rival.
Over the weekend, Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille faced off in another edition of Le Classique, the marquee matchup between the two biggest clubs in French soccer. Luis Enrique’s squad showcased its quality in a dominant 5-0 victory, maintaining sole possession of first place in the standings.
Dembele stood out with two goals and an assist, but he also drew attention for a tense exchange with an opposing player. Television cameras caught the moment the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner approached Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to criticize a Marseille teammate.
“Balerdi, he’s rubbish! You know it,” Dembele said, according to Ligue 1’s official account on X. The PSG winger then covered his mouth and continued speaking to the Marseille midfielder, who chose not to respond. “You know it,” Ousmane repeated. “He’s always mouthing off.”
« VÉRITÉ » : le film Ligue 1+ de Paris SG/OM 🍿
Des images 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 à retrouver vendredi, à 18h, sur Ligue 1+ avant Rennes – Paris SG ! pic.twitter.com/MB1RYWs4KB
Ousmane is key for France, Balerdi fighting for a spot with Argentina
The gap between PSG and Marseille in their weekend clash mirrors the contrast in the international outlooks of Ousmane Dembele and Leonardo Balerdi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The winger appears to have a secure place with the France national team after being part of Didier Deschamps’ squads at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. His new superstar status — following his success with PSG and his Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards — has made him one of the team’s most important players.
Balerdi’s situation is very different. He has made just 11 appearances for Argentina, across friendlies and World Cup qualifiers, since his 2019 debut. Last year, head coach Lionel Scaloni showed considerable faith in the defender, giving him minutes in nine of the team’s last 13 matches. Still, competition for a roster spot is fierce, and the return of Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez from injury could push him out of World Cup contention.
The Argentina-France rivalry was born in recent years
Until 2018, Argentina and France had met only twice in World Cup history — once in the inaugural 1930 tournament and again in the group stage in 1978 — with the South Americans winning both. Nothing particularly significant had defined the matchup until then.
That changed at Russia 2018, when the teams met in the Round of 16 in a pulsating match that ended in a 4-3 victory for France, powered by a Kylian Mbappe brace. With that recent history in place, Argentina and France faced off again in the Qatar 2022 final, where the rivalry reached another level.
Argentina’s penalty shootout victory was followed by taunts not only from fans but also from players, including Emiliano Martinez. The fallout affected Lionel Messi, who was playing for PSG at the time, and contributed to his departure from the club months later.
The lingering resentment was underscored recently by former France player Djibril Cisse in an interview with L’Equipe. “I only feel hatred toward them,” he said of Argentina, referring to the post-title celebrations. “After seeing those images, I was even angry. I feel a lot of hatred toward them. Clearly, today they are our main enemy.”
Argentina's Leonardo Balerdi and France's Ousmane Dembele.
Raphinha may not be ready to return for Barcelona after Hansi Flick's comments
Barcelona has had one of the most devastating attacks in the world since last season. Hansi Flick has built a very dangerous side that relies on Raphinha as a key creator, scorer and provider of assists. However, he may not be ready to return for the Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid.
The German manager spoke to the media in a press conference about several topics, including the Brazilian’s absence. Even if he didn’t confirm anything, the chances of him being available on Thursday appear low.
Flick said: “It’s about how he feels. You must take care of your body, that’s what he’s doing. We must support him. Step by step. We must take care of him because he’s a player that always gives it all, he plays with intensity and when he notices something we must be careful. It’s not that I like it, because we need everybody, but it can happen during the season.”
Raphinha’s injury timeline
Qualifying directly for the Champions League round of 16 was huge for Barcelona considering they would be competing next week if they hadn’t. However, they still have a midweek obstacle in Atletico Madrid for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals in the Spanish capital.
Raphinha didn’t complete the La Liga match against Elche (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Raphinha’s injury isn’t serious, as it is only a minor muscle issue. The problem with this match is that he hasn’t had enough time to recover. He picked it up in Barcelona’s victory over Elche on January 31, which places his absence within a normal recovery period.
The Brazilian then missed the Cup victory over Albacete and the La Liga triumph over Real Mallorca. With the team’s next match in doubt after Flick’s comments, a potential return could be next Monday in Girona. If he isn’t ready, his comeback date would be the following Sunday in the Levante match.
Raphinha isn’t Barcelona’s only absent
This match was already going to be a tough obstacle for Barcelona, with injuries making it an even harder challenge. In addition to Raphinha’s absence, the manager will also be without another attacker, Marcus Rashford, who won’t be ready.
Flick discussed the English striker’s absence from the lineup: “We have some problems in the team. Rashford won’t be able to play. It’s not good news, but I believe in my team. In hard situations, we grow.”
Club America receive Olimpia in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup first round. Below is all the key information you need, including the date, venue, kickoff time, and options to watch or live stream the match in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Club America vs Olimpia on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Club America vs Olimpia
WHAT
CONCACAF Champions Cup
WHEN
8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT • Wednesday, February 11, 2026
What was expected to be a lopsided matchup has turned into a much tighter contest as the second leg gets underway.Club America entered the series as heavy favorites, even against a respected Central American side like Olimpia, but the first meeting proved far more competitive than anticipated.
Las Aguilas were able to grind out a 2–1 win, giving them a slim edge heading into the decisive return at home. Olimpia now arrive in Mexico chasing a monumental upset, fully aware of the challenge ahead yet encouraged by the narrow margin, knowing a one-goal swing could deliver a historic qualification.
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Real Madrid shared a statement about the future of the European Super League
Real Madrid, with president Florentino Pérez at the forefront, placed UEFA in a difficult position five years ago when they promoted the European Super League as a rival to the Champions League.
Fan backlash across Europe made the project unviable. The saga concluded on Wednesday as Real Madrid, UEFA, and the European Football Clubs released a joint statement formally closing the chapter on the Super League.
The statement reads: “Following months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football, UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid CF announce that they have reached an agreement of principles for the well-being of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability and the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology.”
The writing ends: “This agreement of principles will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once such principles are executed and implemented.”
Barcelona had left the European Super League
The original clubs behind the project included Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético, Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham. Several withdrew quickly after protests from supporters, while others remained for longer.
Chelsea fans protesting the European Super League (Rob Pinney/Getty Images)
Barcelona announced their departure from the Super League last week, shortly before Joan Laporta’s resignation, confirming their stance through a brief note on the club’s official website.
The message stated: “FC Barcelona informs that today it has officially notified the European Super League Company and the clubs that have been part of it of its disassociation from the European Super League project.”
European Super League background
The European Super League was unveiled in 2021 as a breakaway tournament backed by some of Europe’s most powerful clubs. It aimed to secure permanent participation and increase revenues but collapsed within days amid widespread opposition.
Fans, domestic leagues, and UEFA argued it would damage competitive balance and undermine established structures. Although the project failed, it sparked ongoing debate about governance, financial distribution, and the role of elite clubs in European soccer.
Florentino Pérez was the main person behind the European Super League
With the 2026 World Cup as a main target, Endrick has taken a key decision on his future between Olympique Lyon and Real Madrid.
Endrick has reignited his career with his move to Olympique Lyon, a switch that was also encouraged by Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti as the striker pushes for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. While currently in strong form, the forward has now made a final decision on his future between Lyon and Real Madrid following the tournament in North America.
After falling out of head coach Xabi Alonso’s plans at Real Madrid, Endrick decided to leave the Spanish side in search of minutes to strengthen his chances with the Brazil national team. In less than two months, the striker has already adapted to Paulo Fonseca’s squad and established himself as a key contributor.
With five goals and one assist in the six matches he has played so far for the French club, Lyon have won every game in which Endrick has featured. Reports have even raised the possibility of extending the Brazilian striker’s loan, with financial factors seen as the only obstacle to a potential new agreement.
Speaking to the podcast Win Win, Thiago Freitas was asked about Endrick’s future after his six-month loan expires, and the player’s agent was clear: “Endrick was loaned to Lyon for six months. The decision has already been made, and he will return to Real Madrid at the end of the season. There’s no ambiguity or secrecy about it. The agreement is only a loan, with no option to buy, so he will return.“
Endrick claims the ball after a hat-trick in the Olympique Lyon cs. FC Metz.
Despite finding his best form at Lyon, Endrick remains eager to return and succeed with Los Blancos. “What will happen next season? I can’t predict it, but I can tell you that at the end of this season Endrick will once again be a Real Madrid player,” the agent concluded.
After completing his move to Lyon, Alonso was dismissed days later, with Álvaro Arbeloa appointed as Real Madrid’s new head coach. Still, the plan remains for Endrick to make the most of these six months in France before fighting for a place in Madrid’s squad.
Ancelotti’s role in Endrick’s move
Endrick has long spoken publicly about his ambition to make Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and after appearing in only three matches during the first half of the 2025-26 season, a move became inevitable. Although the decision ultimately belonged to the 19-year-old, Ancelotti also played a role in encouraging it after managing him at Real Madrid last season.
The youngster’s agent revealed he held talks with the Brazilian coach, which helped shape the decision: “Endrick spoke with Ancelotti and, of course, he also spoke with Xabi Alonso about this topic. He’s a young player, and both are very experienced coaches, great winners as players and as managers, so any advice that comes from them carries enormous value.“
In addition to conversations with the coaches, Freitas said Real Madrid and Brazil stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo also spoke with Endrick. “Endrick is friends with them and, of course, talks with them daily. He also has other friends on the Brazil national team, such as Lucas and Bruno, who play at Lyon. He spoke with them about the club, the fans, and the city, and they help him a lot,” the agent added.
Despite their multimillion-dollar signings, Liverpool have struggled to deliver their best performance this season. Consequently, several reports have questioned Arne Slot's future, leading him to address the situation with a strong statement.
After securing the 2024–25 Premier League title, Arne Slot promised an impressive season for the Reds, with numerous reinforcements to ensure consistency and long-term sustainability for the team. However, Liverpool have faced a challenging campaign, with a series of poor results casting doubt on the Dutchman’s future. In response, Slot decided to break his silence and address the possibility of his dismissal.
In the latest press conference, Arne Slot was asked if failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League would lead to his dismissal. He responded: “I don’t decide on my future… Maybe somewhere else it is not only about results, but mainly. And at some clubs they also look at the progress the players make, the progress the team makes, the circumstances are sometimes taken into account…I think I am working at a club that does look at those things.”
Far from competing for the Premier League title again, the Reds currently sit sixth in the standings, outside of all European competitions. Although they do not appear to have major issues within the squad, they have won just one of their last five league matches. Moreover, Arne Slot has been unable to rely on a fully fit roster, with several players sidelined through injury, affecting the team’s consistency.
Unlike their league performance, Liverpool managed to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 by finishing third in the standings. Arne Slot has managed to concede only eight goals, holding a better performance than teams such as Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester City. The season may be disappointing overall, but if the Dutchman manages to lead the Reds to the title, he will secure his future and a place in the team’s history.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts prior to the Premier League match.
Slot turmoil could derail Liverpool’s pursuit of Xabi Alonso
Despite the team’s poor performances, Liverpool decided to back Arne Slot’s continuity, aiming for improvement in the second half of the season. Following the emergence of Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai, the squad has shown overall progress, yet the Reds continue to deliver inconsistent results. With the club maintaining trust in the Dutch manager, they could risk missing the opportunity to pursue Xabi Alonso ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Throughout the season, Xabi Alonso has emerged as a strong candidate to take over as Liverpool’s head coach, having become available after his stint at Real Madrid. However, Manchester City have pushed him as their leading option to replace Pep Guardiola, reports Christian Falk. Although the Spaniard is reportedly prioritizing the Reds, the club’s hesitation over Arne Slot until the end of the season could ultimately lead him to accept a potential offer from the Citizens.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, speaks to the media during a press conference.
Real Madrid continue to benefit from Kylian Mbappe’s scoring production, as his numbers are now approaching those of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Much like last season, Kylian Mbappe’s individual performances during the 2025-26 campaign have not necessarily translated into collective success for Real Madrid. While the team has struggled on multiple fronts, the French forward is putting up scoring numbers that place him close to Cristiano Ronaldo.
After scoring late in a 2-0 La Liga victory over Valencia, Mbappe reached an impressive 82 goals in his first 90 matches with Real Madrid. That remarkable average of 0.91 goals per game ranks him among the top three most prolific scorers at the start of a Real Madrid career.
Just ahead of the French striker is Cristiano Ronaldo. After arriving in Spain in the summer of 2009, the Portuguese star had scored 86 goals through his first 90 appearances, an average of 0.95 goals per match.
However, neither Mbappe nor Cristiano Ronaldo can match the leader in this category. Ferenc Puskas has held the top spot for more than 60 years, having recorded 96 goals in his first 90 matches for Real Madrid. In this metric, the Hungarian legend remains the only player in club history to average more than one goal per game over that span.
Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas.
Behind Puskas, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mbappe are several other icons in Real Madrid history who made their mark early in their careers with the club. Among them are Alfredo Di Stefano (73 goals), Hugo Sanchez (63), Ruud van Nistelrooy (62), and Ronaldo Nazario (61) through their first 90 appearances.
Where Mbappe ranks on Real Madrid’s all-time scoring list
Despite having spent just over a year and a half at the club, Kylian Mbappe has made a meteoric rise up Real Madrid’s all-time scoring chart. He currently ranks 28th with 82 goals, just one behind Hector Rial, who is immediately ahead of him on the list.
To put that into perspective, the French forward has already surpassed several legends who spent more time at Real Madrid, including Roberto Carlos, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Luis Figo, Jorge Valdano, and Zinedine Zidane.
Mbappe is also the fifth-most productive active player in the club’s all-time scoring rankings, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo (450), Karim Benzema (354), Vinicius Junior (114), and Sergio Ramos (101). Of those players, only Vinicius remains at the club, giving him the opportunity to continue climbing the list.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe playing for Real Madrid.
Christian Pulisic stands at the center of a defining chapter for American soccer, with the Milan star poised to carry the national team into the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Christian Pulisic stands at the center of a defining chapter for American soccer, with the Milan star poised to carry the national team into the 2026 World Cup on home soil. For the first time in generations, the United States will host the biggest tournament in world soccer, and the expectations surrounding the face of the national team have reached unprecedented levels. As the leader of the most talented squad the country has ever assembled, Pulisic enters the tournament not just as a star forward, but as the embodiment of American ambition on the global stage.
The weight of history hangs heavily over this moment. For nearly a century, the United States has chased a World Cup achievement that has remained untouched since 1930. Now, with a generation forged in Europe’s elite leagues and guided by a global spotlight, Pulisic stands at the crossroads of legacy and opportunity. And in a candid moment, he offered a revealing seven-word admission about what playing the World Cup at home truly means to him.
For decades, the USMNT’s third-place finish at the inaugural World Cup in 1930 has served as both a symbol of pride and a reminder of unfulfilled potential. No American side has come close to surpassing that benchmark, and the passage of time has only amplified its mythical status.
But 2026 represents a break from the past. The United States will host the tournament, enter with automatic qualification, and feature a roster brimming with players who have grown in the world’s most competitive environments. At the center of it all is Pulisic, whose career trajectory mirrors the rise of American soccer itself.
Weston McKennie #8 of the United States is congratulated by Christian Pulisic #10 after scoring a goal.
Now entering what could be the defining tournament of his career, the Milan star is no longer the prodigy chasing expectations; he is the commander tasked with delivering on them. His evolution into a complete attacking leader has reshaped the identity of the national team, with his influence extending far beyond goals and assists.
The seven-word admission that reveals everything
While the pressure and ambition surrounding the tournament are enormous, Pulisic’s perspective remains rooted in the simplicity of childhood dreams. Speaking openly about what it means to play a World Cup at home, he revealed the emotional core behind the moment to Access Hollywood: “Playing a World Cup in the US, I mean, as a kid thinking about that, it’s just an incredible dream to have.”
Those seven words—“it’s just an incredible dream to have”—capture the emotional weight of a moment decades in the making. For the 27-year-old winger, the tournament is not just a career milestone but the realization of a childhood fantasy that once felt unimaginable.
He reflected on his journey across Europe and his long-standing role with the national team, adding that despite everything he has achieved, he still feels like the same kid who fell in love with the game. “I’ve been really lucky to do what I’ve done in this career and play in different, amazing clubs in Europe, and then representing my national team since I was 17. I’m just like that same kid playing soccer that I’ve loved since I was a kid.”
Generation and a nation looking to him
Pulisic also acknowledged how his career has helped fuel soccer’s growth in the United States, describing the increasing presence of the sport back home. “It’s incredible, I mean, seeing even more than 10 years now I’ve been in Europe, just going back home every summer and seeing like it feels like every year the game is growing more and more.”
He noted the visibility of jerseys, fans, and enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the sport’s rise. “If I can have a small part in that and helping that sport grow in the US, I mean, because it really is worldwide, it’s the biggest sport in the world.”
Christian Pulisic in the 2026 World Cup kit
Beyond history and ambition, Pulisic highlighted what may matter most during the tournament: family. With the World Cup hosted in the United States, his loved ones will have easier access to matches, adding another emotional layer to the experience. “I think that’ll be the best part, playing in, you know, on the biggest stage and having the people that you love and that supported you through this whole time around you. Seeing them in the crowd is going to be special.”
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States looks on
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., is once again stepping onto the international stage, drawing global interest and reigniting debates about legacy, pressure, and destiny in soccer.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s name has defined an era of soccer, and now a new chapter of that legacy is quietly taking shape. As the Portuguese icon continues to rewrite history late into his career, attention is shifting to the next generation. His eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., is once again stepping onto the international stage, drawing global interest and reigniting debates about legacy, pressure, and destiny in soccer.
While the spotlight often follows the Al-Nassr captain wherever he goes, this time it is his son who is preparing to carry the family name onto a new international platform, with European giants and youth academies closely watching his progress.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has already begun to establish himself as a rising talent in youth soccer. At just 15 years old, he has accumulated international experience and built a reputation through youth tournaments in Croatia and Turkey. His journey through elite academies, Manchester United, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr, has mirrored the path once taken by his legendary father.
The teenager currently represents Al-Nassr’s youth academy, continuing his development in Saudi Arabia while his father remains the centerpiece of the club’s project. Despite his young age, he has already become one of the most talked-about prospects in Portugal’s youth system.
🚨🚨| OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo Jr returns to the Portugal U16 squad 🇵🇹🔙
He is set to represent his country at the Algarve Tournament over the next 7 days.
Portuguese outlets have highlighted how his calmness, movement, and attacking instincts have drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo’s early career. The expectations are enormous, but the journey has only just begun.
When Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. will take the stage
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is set to represent the Portugal U-16 national team at the Algarve Tournament between February 12 and February 17, where he will face three major international opponents over a seven-day period.
Match schedule:
February 12: Portugal vs. Japan
February 14: Portugal vs. Netherlands
February 17: Portugal vs. Germany
This will mark his first youth international tournament played on Portuguese soil, after previously featuring in tournaments abroad. The squad is coached by Filipe, a former Sporting player and a World Cup winner with Portugal’s U-20 team, and Ronaldo Jr. is expected to be one of the standout names in the squad.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo himself will not attend, Portuguese outlet SIC Notícias indicates that his grandmother, Dolores Aveiro, has been present during the training camp, offering family support as the young forward prepares for another milestone.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr
Early signs of a rising star
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has already delivered moments that hint at a bright future. Earlier in 2025, he starred for Portugal’s U-15 side at the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia, scoring twice in the final to secure a 3-2 victory over the hosts. That performance accelerated his promotion to the U-16 squad and established him as one of the country’s most promising attackers of his age group.
He has since featured in several youth competitions, including the Federations Cup in Turkey, where he made his international debut and later scored his first goal for the U-16 team. His performances have drawn praise for composure, movement, and technical discipline—traits strongly associated with his father’s playing style.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr of Portugal (C) looks on prior to the Men's U15 International match between Portugal and Japan
Ahead of the last preseason friendly in Puerto Rico, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami has unveiled the new away kit for the 2026 MLS season.
Lionel Messi is in the final phase of Inter Miami’s preseason tour, building peak fitness ahead of a demanding 2026 MLS season with the World Cup on the horizon. With the final preseason friendly against Independiente del Valle set for Puerto Rico, the Herons will unveil their new away kit.
After a successful 2025 campaign that ended with an MLS Cup title, Inter Miami have already added their first star above the badge and will display it on the pink home kit throughout the 2026 season. However, a new away strip has also been unveiled, and it’s expected to debut in the upcoming friendly.
On Wednesday, Inter Miami revealed Presagio, a black jersey featuring gray striping along the shoulders and a sleek collar design. Replacing the Fortitude kit, the new strip features the club crest in pink topped with a silver star, representing the franchise’s historic 2025 MLS Cup triumph.
Named Presagio, the club said the title “captures the anticipation and tension that Inter Miami CF’s arrival generates.” With Messi’s presence, the Herons have broken attendance records across MLS, and during their preseason tour, large local crowds have attended matches despite their friendly status.
Inter Miami’s new away kit Presagio.
Entering the final days of the Club’s Champions Tour, Inter Miami will travel to Puerto Rico to face Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle next Friday, February 13. It is scheduled to be the last friendly before the start of the 2026 MLS season, with the opener set for Saturday the 21st against LAFC.
In addition, Maximiliano Falcón, Telasco Segovia, and Germán Berterame are all expected to miss the match. Segovia and Falcón are finalizing paperwork to obtain their green cards, which kept them out of training in Fort Lauderdale, while new signing Berterame is awaiting his U.S. work visa, meaning only a last-minute change would make any of them available.
In light of their evident defensive problems, Barcelona are reportedly targeting a €50 million star. However, Hansi Flick has suffered a major setback, as Real Madrid have supposedly taken the lead in securing his arrival for the 2026–27 season.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have looked significantly weakened defensively, as the departure of Iñigo Martínez has left a delicate gap at the back. In response, Hansi Flick is reportedly pushing for a marquee defensive signing valued at €50 million. However, the Blaugrana could face a major setback, asReal Madrid have reportedly taken the lead in the race for his transfer for the next season.
According to BILD, Nico Schlotterbeck remains open to the possibility of renewing his contract with Borussia Dortmund. However, he is not entirely convinced due to what he sees as the team’s lack of ambition, which keeps his departure as a strong possibility. In that context, the German defender is reportedly only considering Real Madrid as a potential destination ahead of the 2026–27 season, ruling out any chance of joining Hansi Flick at Barcelona.
Even though the German defender is one of Real Madrid’s top priorities to strengthen their back line, he would not come cheaply from Borussia Dortmund. With a contract running until 2027, the German club would demand between €40–50 million for his transfer. However, Los Blancos are not solely focused on the 26-year-old star, as they are also evaluating Ibrahima Konaté as a potential free agent, viewing him as a strong option for the future.
As no agreement has yet been reached over his signing, Barcelona still keep Schlotterbeck among their defensive options. Given their defensive weaknesses, they would reportedly be willing to pay the €40–50 million fee for his transfer, as Hansi Flick supposedly views him as an ideal fit. With several months ahead, the Blaugranas still have time to try to convince the German defender to join the club for the 2026–27 season.
Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring a goal.
Not only Schlotterbeck: Barcelona reportedly target a Serie A star
Despite their interest in Nico Schlotterbeck, the growing pursuit from Real Madrid and the slow pace of negotiations have forced Barcelona to look towards other options to strengthen their defense. In their search for a left-sided center back, the Blaugranas have already turned their attention to a Serie A star as a potential reinforcement, pushing the possible arrival of the German defender into the background.
According to Matteo Moretto and José Álvarez on X (formerly Twitter), the Blaugrana have decided to prioritize the signing of Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. With a contract running until 2028, the Italian could command a multimillion-dollar fee, as he is a key figure for his club. However, no negotiations have been opened between the two parties, creating uncertainty over his potential arrival, as Barcelona are reportedly in no rush to secure the deal.
Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
By remaining one of the best players in the world for more than 15 years, Cristiano Ronaldo is considered the GOAT by many fans. However, a former Real Madrid coach questioned that stance, delivering a blunt statement.
Cristiano Ronaldo has firmly established himself as one of the greatest players in soccer history. Not only did he make history with Real Madrid, but he also left a significant mark with the Portugal national team as a prolific scorer. Over more than 15 years, he has maintained his status among the world’s elite, ascending to become a central figure in the GOAT debate. However, a former Real Madrid coach has recently challenged the veteran’s legacy with harsh remarks.
“Cristiano is a great goalscorer and an incredible athlete, but he doesn’t have the genius of Messi, Maradona or Ronaldo Nazario. That genius that the others possessed is absent in Cristiano. He can’t be compared to those three,“ Fabio Capello said, via ON Sport’s ‘Hat-Trick’ program. With these statements, the Italian coach downplays the Portuguese spot as GOAT, highlighting a missing aspect on his legacy.
Throughout his professional career, Fabio Capello had two spells at Real Madrid (1996–97 and 2006–07), winning La Liga on both occasions. Despite this, the Italian has always been quite reluctant to label Cristiano Ronaldo as the GOAT. Nevertheless, the Portuguese forward is one of the greatest players in history, leaving behind an extraordinary scoring legacy that stands as a benchmark in modern soccer — something very difficult to overlook.
Even though Cristiano’s legacy is largely defined by his scoring power, he has also been a magical player. After his breakthrough at Manchester United, he established himself as a difference-maker in terms of dribbling, creativity and finishing — something he also showcased during his early years at Real Madrid. However, a chronic patellar tendinosis in his left knee in 2014 forced him to adapt his style of play, demonstrating an impressive resilience to continue shining.
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC celebrates scoring.
Cristiano Ronaldo edges a long-lasting legacy in soccer history
Since his professional debut in 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to remain one of the best players in the world, season after season. After leaving a historic legacy at Manchester United, he completed a multimillion-dollar transfer to Real Madrid. Leading the team’s attack, the Portuguese star became one of the most decorated players in the club’s history and its all-time top scorer, but his legacy goes beyond that.
Although Portugal are one of the most historic national teams in the world, they had not managed to win any major titles. With Cristiano Ronaldo at the forefront, they won UEFA Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles. In addition, the veteran has established himself as the national team’s all-time top scorer with 143 goals, creating a significant gap between himself and legends such as Eusébio and Pauleta.
Despite being 41 years old, Cristiano has managed to remain one of the world’s top scorers, shining at Al Nassr. For that reason, he is expected to be a key figure for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, where he could break some interesting records. Whether as a historic scorer or as a Greatest of all Time, Ronaldo is already a historic figure in the history of soccer, at a level reached by very few players.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr looks on during the Saudi Pro League match.
Inter Miami are preparing for their final preseason match, with questions over Lionel Messi’s availability.
Inter Miami are approaching the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, where they will look to defend the title they won last year. Before that, they face one last challenge: a friendly on Friday against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. Ahead of that matchup, it is unclear whether Lionel Messi will be available.
“Lionel Messi was absent from the first 15 minutes open to the media,” reporter Jose Armando wrote on X on Wednesday during the Herons’ training in Fort Lauderdale. “Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul trained without issue.”
The absence of the Argentine forward in exercises under coach Javier Mascherano is notable, as Messi typically trains alongside his teammates unless physical issues prevent him from doing so. This raises questions about his availability in the near future.
“Inter Miami travel to Puerto Rico this Thursday. They will have an evening training session on the island before Friday’s match,” Jose Armando added regarding preparations for the friendly against Independiente del Valle. “We are waiting for updates on Lionel Messi and his availability.”
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
Messi is not the only player missing for Inter Miami
While all eyes are on Lionel Messi, other key players could also miss Friday’s friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. “Telasco Segovia is also absent this morning due to a visa issue,” Jose Armando reported Wednesday morning. He immediately added details on two other stars: “Berterame has not yet received his visa, and along with Maxi Falcon (awaiting his green card), they would be unavailable for the match in Puerto Rico.”
If these absences are confirmed, it would pose a significant challenge for coach Javier Mascherano. In addition to Messi, Berterame, Segovia, and Falcon were starters in the last friendly against Barcelona SC in Ecuador. Berterame, who joined this year from Monterrey, even scored one of the goals.
The good news for the Herons is the return of Tadeo Allende
Amid these concerns, the Herons have a reason to celebrate. After several weeks of waiting, Tadeo Allende has finally resolved administrative issues that had prevented him from joining training and is now available to coach Javier Mascherano for the start of the 2026 season.
“I was anxious and wanted to start as soon as possible. The delay had me worried at home. I’m very happy to be here and start again with my teammates,” Allende said in an interview shared by Inter Miami on social media. “The goals are the same as last season: compete for everything in front of us. We have a great group.”
Christian Pulisic could soon be part of a historic chapter in Milan’s storied legacy, as the club prepares for a crucial Serie A clash that could see Massimiliano Allegri’s side match a decades-old milestone.
Christian Pulisic could soon be part of a historic chapter in Milan’s storied legacy, as the club prepares for a crucial Serie A clash that could see Massimiliano Allegri’s side match a decades-old milestone. With the American winger racing to recover from injury, the timing could not be more dramatic: a return to action might coincide with one of the most symbolic achievements in the club’s modern history.
Milan travels to face Pisa in a fixture loaded with significance. On the surface, it is another league match against a struggling opponent. Beneath that, however, lies a rare opportunity to write history, fuel a revenge narrative against past slip-ups, and restore key attacking pieces ahead of a decisive stretch of the season.
The Rossoneri’s current campaign has been defined by resilience and consistency under Allegri. The club has gone unbeaten in 22 consecutive Serie A matches this season (14 wins, 8 draws). In fact, this run has placed the team on the cusp of a landmark achievement. One more match without defeat would see Milan equal a legendary club record that has stood for 33 years. Two more would see the current side surpass it entirely, creating a new benchmark in the club’s domestic history.
The magnitude of the moment is amplified by the fact that the club has not enjoyed such an extended unbeaten stretch in a single league campaign since the early 1990s. Fans and analysts alike are beginning to sense that something historic could unfold in Tuscany.
Milan lost their season opener to Cremonese and since then have went 22 league games unbeaten 😳💪 pic.twitter.com/FmcBUVL9Jz
The record revealed: One of Capello’s legendary benchmarks
Midway through this historic chase, the mystery becomes clear. Milan is closing in on equaling the 23-game unbeaten run recorded during Fabio Capello’s iconic 1992-93 season. That legendary side defined dominance in Italy and Europe, and Allegri’s current squad is now one step away from matching that feat.
Capello’s era was built on defensive solidity, tactical discipline, and a relentless winning mentality. Replicating even part of that legacy carries symbolic weight, especially in a season where Milan is pushing to return to the Champions League and reassert itself domestically. Allegri’s side stands at 22 games unbeaten, while one of Capello’s records from that season stands at 23. Thus, two more unbeaten matches would rewrite the club’s modern history books.
AC Milan’s unbeaten record under Fabio Capello and Massimiliano Allegri
Pulisic and Milan on revenge mission against bottom-half opponents
Milan’s season has not been perfect. Early setbacks against lower-table sides—including a defeat to Cremonese and draws against Pisa, Parma, and Sassuolo—prevented an even more dominant campaign. Those results have lingered as reminders of missed opportunities.
Now, the upcoming run of fixtures offers a chance to redeem. Alberto Gilardino’s side is the first opponent in what could be a symbolic revenge tour, followed by clashes against Como, Parma, and Cremonese. Consecutive victories would not only extend the unbeaten run but also erase the stigma of those earlier stumbles.
Christian Pulisic’s presence looms large over this historic pursuit. The American winger has been sidelined with bursitis, an inflammation that has limited his recent involvement, but optimism is growing about his return.
Christian Pulisic (left) and Massimiliano Allegri (right)
Even though they were in top form to face Lionel Messi's Argentina, Spain suffer an unexpected setback. After being ruled out of the Finalissima, a key player of the national team receives a pessimistic update on his recovery, raising doubts about his presence in the 2026 World Cup.
Despite losing the UEFA Nations League to Portugal, Spain have managed to remain one of the most imposing national teams in the world. Relying on a powerful attack and crucial control in midfield, they arrive in top form to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Finalissima. However, they have suffered an unexpected setback, as they have received bad news regarding the recovery of a key player for the national team.
After suffering a fracture in his right foot against Manchester United, Mikel Merino underwent surgery on Monday, February 9, and will be sidelined for around four months. As a result, he is completely ruled out of the Finalissima vs. Argentina, with just over a month remaining before the match. However, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta provided a concerning update on his recovery that raises significant doubt.
“The doctors are really happy with the way it went. Now, he starts a long process. You’re talking about bone healing, so you need to be patient and respect the timing. I am sure he is gonna do everything he possibly can to speed up that recovery. The time frames we are talking about are months. Whether it is three, four, or five months… we don’t know,” Arteta revealed in the latest press conference.
Taking Mikel Arteta’s comments into account, Spain would have very slim chances of getting Merino back in time for the 2026 World Cup, as his return could come in early August 2026. While his presence in the Finalissima vs. Lionel Messi’s Argentina was already ruled out, they had hoped to have their top scorer from the UEFA European World Cup qualifiers available for the anticipated tournament. In light of this situation, Fermin López could earn a starting role.
Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates after scoring.
Spain aim to bring back key stars for Finalissima vs. Argentina
Spain have managed to remain one of the national teams in the best form in the world, even qualifying as group winners in the UEFA European World Cup qualifiers. Despite this, Mikel Merino’s absence ahead of the Finalissima vs. Argentina raises considerable concern among fans, as he is key to the team’s style of play. Nevertheless, coach Luis de la Fuente expects to recover four players who missed the most recent matches.
Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Dean Huijsen will all return in full shape for Spain to face Argentina on March 27. Although they are coming back from injuries, they will regain competitive rhythm with their respective clubs, making their presence in the Finalissima decisive. In addition, Rodrigo Hernández is also gradually recovering his best physical form, meaning Merino’s absence may not be felt as strongly.
Mikel Merino of Spain looks dejected and Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates.
Before facing Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick sent a pointed message about Real Madrid.
Barcelona are on the verge of another final, as they will take on Atletico Madrid this Thursday in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Ahead of that matchup, head coach Hansi Flick delivered a message with a subtle jab at Real Madrid.
During the pre-match press conference against Los Colchoneros, shared by Marca, the coach was asked whether he agreed with those who thought Barcelonahad an overly easy path to the semifinals, having not faced any La Liga teams up to that point.
“Ask Real Madrid,” Hansi Flick replied with a smile and a slight shrug, prompting silence in the conference room followed by some laughter from reporters at the German coach’s cheeky response.
Flick was, of course, referring to the fact that Real Madrid had a similar path but still failed to reach the decisive stages of the tournament. They narrowly overcame Talavera, a third-division Spanish team, 3-2, and then were eliminated in the round of 16 by second-tier clubAlbacete.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid’s head coach, watches on during the Copa del Rey loss to Albacete.
Barcelona’s path in the 2025-26 Copa del Rey
Beyond Hansi Flick’s remark, which aimed to underscore that any opponent can be dangerous if underestimated, it’s undeniable that Barcelona reached the Copa del Rey semifinals without facing any team even remotely comparable in quality to theirs.
Their tournament debut came against C.D. Guadalajara, a third-division Spanish team, which they defeated 2-0. In the round of 16, they faced Racing de Santander from the second division, again winning 2-0.
In the quarterfinals, the Blaugranas met Albacete, the team that had eliminated Real Madrid in the previous round. As in that earlier matchup, the second-division club posed a tough challenge for Barcelona, who managed a narrow 2-1 victory.
Barcelona face tough challenge against Atletico Madrid
Those matches against lower-division opponents are now behind them, and Barcelona now face an extremely difficult challenge against Atletico Madrid in the semifinals, which will now be played over two legs. They also know that if they advance to the final, they will face another La Liga team, either Athletic Club or Real Sociedad.
Ahead of Thursday’s first leg against Los Colchoneros at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Flick will have to cope with the absence of Marcus Rashford, sidelined due to a knee issue. At the same time, Raphinha is not at full fitness, leaving questions about who will start on the left wing.
Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig square off in the 2025–26 DFB Pokal quarterfinals. Fans in the United States can find complete information here on kickoff time and where to watch nationwide, including television listings and streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Bayern vs RB Leipzig on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Bayern vs RB Leipzig
WHAT
DFB Pokal
WHEN
2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT • Wednesday, February 11, 2026
One of the DFB-Pokal’s leading title contenders takes the stage in the quarterfinals as Bayern Munich continue their latest domestic title push. Fueled by a strong current form, Bayernremain a favorite in any competition they enter, but a trip to the semifinals is far from guaranteed.
Standing in their way are RB Leipzig, a side that has endured an inconsistent campaign yet now finds itself with a prime chance to make a statement, knock out the tournament’s top contender, and secure a spot in the final four.
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The American winger, who has been one of the standout performers in Italy this season, remains under contract at San Siro until summer 2027. However, developments behind the scenes have sparked renewed speculation.
Christian Pulisic finds himself at the center of a growing transfer narrative once again, with Premier League clubs circling and uncertainty quietly building around his long-term future. The American winger, who has been one of the standout performers in Italy this season, remains under contract at San Siro until summer 2027. However, developments behind the scenes have sparked renewed speculation.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches on home soil, every decision surrounding his career path carries added significance. For now, Christian Pulisic continues to focus on his performances on the pitch, but off it, the landscape is shifting, and some of Europe’s biggest clubs are watching closely.
The American’s resurgence in Serie A has not gone unnoticed. Since arriving at Milan from Chelsea, he has re-established himself as a key attacking figure, combining consistency, durability, and decisive moments. His performances this season have placed him among the most productive players in his squad, and that resurgence has reignited interest from England.
Liverpool and Arsenal are said tohave been monitoring his situation, while Tottenham and Manchester United have also been mentioned in various reports. There is no suggestion that a formal bid has been made, but the timing of his contractual situation has created an opportunity in a market that rarely stands still. “Several English clubs are interested in the American for next season, and they’re ready to make AC Milan an offer to bring him back to the Premier League…”, Calciomercato suggests.
Pulisic’s value has risen significantly after a stable and productive campaign in Italy, and analysts have highlighted his season as one of the most impressive by an American player in Europe in recent years. For Premier League clubs reassessing their attacking depth, he represents both experience and versatility.
Why the contract situation matters now
Behind the speculation lies a simple but increasingly important reality: Pulisic’s contract extension has not been finalized despite earlier reports of an agreement in principle. His current deal runs until June 2027, but the absence of formal paperwork has raised questions both internally and externally.
This delay has coincided with renewed media attention and interest in England, where clubs are constantly scanning the market for opportunities. Even without a transfer request, the lack of clarity naturally fuels speculation.
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States.
The timing is crucial, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. A strong tournament on home soil could elevate Pulisic’s market value further, while entering the final phase of his contract would weaken the club’s negotiating position.
Where do Pulisic and Milan stand each?
The mystery surrounding the situation becomes clearer when examining the positions of both sides. As per Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb,Pulisic is reportedly waiting for a formal contract offer, having expected his renewal to be finalized months ago. Apparently, the winger has been left “disconcerted” by the delay, although his positive stance toward the club has not changed.
At the same time, the club views his renewal as the next major priority, especially after securing goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s extension, the report adds. Officials remain confident that an agreement will be completed and see him as a central pillar of the long-term project.
AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Mike Maignan.
Despite the uncertainty, neither side has publicly suggested a desire to part ways. Instead, the situation reflects timing, priorities, and the complex administrative nature of modern contract negotiations.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring
Despite Barcelona’s dominant form, they face a significant setback ahead of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atlético Madrid. A key teammate of Lamine Yamal has missed the latest training session and been ruled out of the match, complicating Hansi Flick’s plan.
Barcelona have firmly established themselves as the in-form team in Spain, maintaining an impressive winning streak. They’ve also rediscovered their most potent attacking lineup, with Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal leading the charge. However, coach Hansi Flick faces a significant challenge. A key teammate of Lamine has been ruled out of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atlético Madrid, complicating their path forward.
According to Barcelona on X (formerly Twitter), Marcus Rashford will be absent for the match against Atlético Madrid.After the most recent game against RCD Mallorca, the Englishman experienced knee pain. Although the injury does not appear to be serious, coach Hansi Flick revealed that the forward was not fit to play and leaving him out is a precautionary measure. His absence is a major blow for the Blaugranas, who are now short of attacking options.
Like the Englishman, Raphinha also missed Barcelona’s final training session before the Copa del Rey semifinals. Although he has not been ruled out, his presence in the starting lineup is unlikely, as he trained separately from the group. With Rashford sidelined and doubts surrounding the Brazilian, coach Hansi Flick will be forced to make significant adjustments to his squad, complicating his chances of defeating Atlético Madrid.
Unlike previous matches, the Blaugranas will likely rely on Ferran Torres as the left winger, leaving Robert Lewandowski as the only option at center forward. Due to Pedri’s absence, Dani Olmo will not be available as an attacking option, as he is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong. Despite these absences, Barcelona still boast strong squad depth, keeping them as favorites against Atlético Madrid.
𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓
The first team player Marcus Rashford has pain in his left knee after taking a blow in the game against Mallorca on Saturday at Spotify Camp Nou.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid also face key absence setback
Atlético Madrid are not on a positive run of results, having won just two of their last five matches. In addition, coach Diego Simeone has not managed to find the ideal balance within the squad, raising doubts about their competitiveness. Like Barcelona, who are dealing with the absences of Raphinha and Rashford, Los Colchoneros are also facing the loss of a key player, creating uncertainty ahead of the Copa del Rey clash.
After suffering a muscle injury in the match against Real Betis, Pablo Barrios has been ruled out of Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona, as he will be sidelined for a month. In response, coach Simeone stated that his absence is deeply felt, as he is their best midfielder and the central axis of the team. In his place, they could turn to Rodrigo Mendoza or Obed Vargas in an attempt to restore balance to the side.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Coach Enzo Maresca has left the door open for the departure of a $60M Chelsea signing, citing a lack of playing time as the January transfer window approaches.
When Enzo Maresca joined Chelsea from Leicester City in July 2024, one of the biggest challenges was managing the massive squad of 43 professional players eligible for the first team at the start of the season. With the winter transfer window approaching, the Italian coach has left the door open for a $60M signing to depart due to a lack of playing time.
One of the significant acquisitions during Roman Abramovich’s ownership was Ben Chilwell. The left-back, who had established himself as one of the Premier League’s best during his time at Leicester City and with the England national team, joined Chelsea in August 2020 for €50M ($60M at the time). Despite his early promise, Chilwell has struggled to find a place in Maresca’s system, prompting speculation about his future.
In Friday’s pre-match press conference, Maresca didn’t shy away when asked about unhappy players in the squad. “There are players that unfortunately didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney (Chukwuemeka). Probably they are the first ones who want to leave because they work every day, they train every day, and they want to play games. If they don’t play games, probably they’re thinking about leaving.”
The contrast between Chilwell’s role this season and last season is striking. Despite missing significant time during the 2023-24 campaign due to injuries, the left-back was still a key starter under Mauricio Pochettino, logging 1,172 minutes across 21 games, and being the second captain of the team.
This season under Maresca, Chilwell’s situation has been drastically different. Despite remaining fit and training consistently, he has been relegated to the sidelines. Excluded from Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League roster, Chilwell has only played 45 minutes across all competitions this season—coming on as a second-half substitute in a 5-0 EFL Cup win against AFC Barrow.
Early signs of Chilwell’s marginalization
Maresca hinted at Chilwell’s diminished role during the preseason. When asked about the left-back’s position, the coach said, “The reason he did not play versus Inter was because, with Chilly (Chilwell), it is quite clear. Even though I love the way he is, the problem is that he is struggling a bit to find the right position.
“This morning we had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible. When you train every day and do not get any minutes it is not good for them or for me. I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens,” Maresca said, already hinting Chilwell to look for a future out of Chelsea.
More Chelsea players on the way out
Chilwell isn’t the only player facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. According to Fabrizio Romano, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei are also exploring January exits in search of more minutes. Meanwhile, Marc Guiu’s situation remains unresolved.
Casadei has attracted interest from multiple Serie A clubs and could leave on loan or through a permanent transfer. Chukwuemeka, on the other hand, has suitors across Europe, including Italy. AC Milan, who pursued the midfielder during the summer, could reignite their interest in January.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England on 14 September 2024.
This year, the discourse surrounding Rodri’s win over Vinicius illustrates the difficulties in defining one player's impact over another's.
The Ballon d’Or, an award designed to recognize soccer’s single most dominant player, always comes with an element of controversy. This year, the discourse surrounding Rodri’s win over Vinicius illustrates the difficulties in defining one player’s impact over another’s. Rodri, who was pivotal in City’s historic treble-winning season, earned his recognition by excelling in both club and international play, underscoring his influence in a deeply talented team.
With Rodri becoming only the second Spanish men’s player to claim the Ballon d’Or, this year’s award has generated unique tensions and left Real Madrid disappointed and vocal about the outcome. His win marked a momentous achievement for Spanish soccer, making him only the second Spanish player to take home the Ballon d’Or. For Manchester City, the victory was a source of pride, particularly in the face of a strained relationship with Real Madrid, who were noticeably absent from the ceremony in Paris. The Spanish giants had expected Vinicius Júnior to claim the title, with club president Florentino Perez even planning to send a large delegation to the event.
However, according to reports, as soon as Madrid’s management discovered that Vinicius would not be winning, they scrapped their planned Paris festivities. Perez canceled a five-hour broadcast initially scheduled for the club’s official television station, emphasizing the disappointment within the club and among Vinicius’ supporters.
France Football’s efforts to maintain secrecy
Before the announcement, France Football, the organizer of the Ballon d’Or, emphasized that the winner’s name would not be leaked to the press. Nevertheless, rumors reached Vinicius’ camp last week, just a day before the award ceremony, with sources from the Spanish Football Federation confirming Rodri’s win. These reports sent shockwaves in Spain, where there was confidence in the Brazilian’s chances had remained high until the final hours.
Rodri, reportedly confident of his position, is said to have openly discussed his expectations with teammates. This display of self-assuredness, along with Madrid’s last-minute discovery, added to the growing tension between the two clubs, who have historically enjoyed a complex rivalry on and off the field.
How votes were cast: Breaking down points
L’Equipe, a French sports newspaper, reported that the final point tally between Rodri and Vinicius was close, with only 41 points separating the two(1170 vs 1129). Each journalist was asked to rank their top ten players, with points awarded as follows: 15 points for first place, 12 points for second, 10 for third, and so on, down to 1 point for tenth place. With a maximum of 1,485 points up for grabs, only 100 journalists were designated voters this year, and one, representing Syria, did not cast a vote.
Interestingly, five journalists placed England’s Jude Bellingham as their top pick. In addition to Bellingham, four votes were cast for Carvajal in first place, two for Toni Kroos, and one each for Mbappe, Lookman, Haaland, and Lautaro Martinez. The varied opinions illustrate the breadth of talent in the global football arena and the inherent subjectivity of selecting a single winner.
However, the distribution of votes also raised eyebrows. Three journalists omitted the Brazilian from their top ten entirely, sparking further criticism from Los Blancos’ supporters, who argue that his season deserved higher recognition.
With the Sporting Lisbon-Manchester City duel in the UEFA Champions League on sight, Pep Guardiola praised Ruben Amorim's job in Portugal.
Excitement is building for the UEFA Champions League clash between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester City, a match poised to be pivotal in securing a top spot for both teams. Beyond the competition, fans are anticipating the strategic face-off between managers Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim, soon to be the next Manchester United coach. When asked about Amorim, Guardiola had only words of admiration.
Guardiola and Amorim last faced each other in the 2021-22 Champions League Round of 16, where City dominated with a 5-0 win in the first leg. However, in discussing the upcoming matchup, Guardiola expressed a note of caution.
“It’s the same manager, the patterns are pretty similar, they changed players. In that game, it wasn’t easy, but we arrived in the first half four, five times and scored four, five goals. We were clinical, but I think they improved,” said Guardiola in an interview with TNT Sports.
Though he has yet to meet Amorim personally, Guardiola expressed his respect and enthusiasm for Amorim’s move to the Premier League: “I don’t know him, but from outside, he looks like a lovely guy. When I see him in the dugout he behaves much, much better than me. Honestly, I am really pleased that he is coming to England to play (with) United. I think both clubs have a lot of respect in the hierarchy.”
Amorim will lead Sporting for two final matches before moving to Manchester United, giving both managers a preview of each other’s tactics ahead of future encounters in England.
Amorim: “Guardiola is the best coach in the world”
Since their last encounter, Amorim has built an impressive reputation, establishing Sporting as one of Portugal’s top teams and holding his own against Europe’s elite. Before the game, he made a comment about Guardiola that might stir mixed feelings among United fans.
“It’s a massive game, for me he’s the best coach in the world – I know it’s tough for Manchester United fans- and I think it’s the best team in the world. So it’s going to be a tough game, we are near the qualification for playoff, so this game is very important,” Amorim said on talks with TNT Sports.
The occasion holds special significance for Amorim, as it will be his last home game with Sporting at Estádio José Alvalade: It’s also my last game in Alvalade, so that’s the focus; the objectives of Sporting, my last game in Alvalade. I know everybody in England are taking ideas for this game, but for me it’s just that.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaks to the media during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 training and press conference at Manchester City Football Academy on October 22, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be leading an official task force regarding player welfare. FIFA is assembling the group amid widespread concerns over fixture congestion. Several clubs, coaches, and players have recently joined together to voice their frustrations on the issue. Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, announced this past summer that they may […]
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be leading an official task force regarding player welfare. FIFA is assembling the group amid widespread concerns over fixture congestion. Several clubs, coaches, and players have recently joined together to voice their frustrations on the issue.
Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, announced this past summer that they may boycott the 2025 Club World Cup. This came after FIFA revealed that the competition would be heavily expanded. The tournament has typically been contested by just seven clubs. Nevertheless, the new competition, which is set to be played in the United States next summer, will now feature 32 teams.
Just days after Real’s statement, FIFPro, the global soccer players union, announced legal action against FIFA. While the case was triggered by several decisions by the governing body, it essentially centers around the Club World Cup. FIFPro officially represents nearly 65,000 professional soccer players across the globe.
2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri then claimed that players could soon go on strike if FIFA keeps increasing fixture lists. Several players, including Real’s Thibaut Courtois, supported the remarks by the Manchester City star. Rodri unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury just days after the claim.
Wenger has worked extensively with FIFA since Arsenal departure
FIFA is attempting to combat the overwhelming backlash by implementing the new task force. Following his departure from coaching, Wenger was hired by FIFA to become their Chief of Global Football Development. In the role, the Frenchman is essentially responsible for growing and developing the sport.
Along with this position, Wenger also works as a key member of the Football and Technical Advisory Panel. The job allows the former manager to submit input on potential official rule changes in the sport. Wenger has since pushed for a controversially major alteration to the offside law.
FIFA is asking Wenger and the task force to discuss player welfare issues with “key stakeholders” in soccer. “The objective of the task force is to examine how suitable and effective safeguards for players can be implemented, also taking into account practical considerations from operational, medical, regulatory, and legal perspectives,” read a FIFA statement.
Following the talks, the task force will then make their recommendations regarding the issue. FIFA claims that the panel will also review “scientific research” on players’ physical and mental health in dealing with fixture congestion. According to the governing body, the task force is expected to work on the task throughout the “coming weeks.”
Wenger previously voiced support for expanded Club World Cup
Despite coordinating a task force on player welfare, the 2025 Club World Cup is expected to go on as planned. Wenger is notably a vocal proponent of the controversially expanded tournament. In fact, the Frenchman previously claimed that increasing the Club World Cup to 32 teams will help make soccer more “global.”
Along with defending FIFA’s decision to expand the fairly unpopular competition, Wenger also believes players are essentially treated better now than ever before. The former coach claimed that the “welfare of the players… has increased dramatically” in recent decades. Wenger made the assertion by pointing to various improvements in injury prevention, recovery work, and nutrition.
Vinicius Junior believes that his recent Ballon d'Or snub was because he regularly fights racism. The Real Madrid star, widely seen as the frontrunner for the annual award, ultimately finished second behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Aware that he was not going to collect the trophy, Vinicius opted not to attend the ceremony in France. […]
Vinicius Junior believes that his recent Ballon d’Or snub was because he regularly fights racism. The Real Madrid star, widely seen as the frontrunner for the annual award, ultimately finished second behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Aware that he was not going to collect the trophy, Vinicius opted not to attend the ceremony in France.
Vinicius’s Real teammates echoed the Brazilian star’s sentiments. None of the Spanish club’s players or representatives were in attendance on the night. The move by the reigning European champions was mostly ridiculed for being selfish.
Following the event, Vinicius took to social media to voice his frustrations. “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready,” the winger wrote on X. Because the remark could fall under different connotations, Reuters later attempted to get clarification on the statement.
According to the news agency, the player’s management team responded by saying that “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.” Vinicius previously signed on with Roc Nation Sports after the American company acquired Brazilian agency TFM in 2023.
Brazilian star has been combating racial abuse in Spain for years
Vinicius has regularly been the target of racial abuse since he joined Real in 2018. As a result, the star has been vocal about making changes within the system to combat the deplorable acts. He was in tears while publicly speaking on the issue earlier this year.
Despite claims that the star may move away from Real because of the ongoing problem, Vinicius asserted that he would remain in Spain to play for the team that he loves. According to the Brazilian, leaving the club would “give the racists exactly what they want.”
LaLiga officials have seemingly been slow in attempting to curb racial abuse during matches. A Spanish court, however, recently gave a Mallorca fan a 12-month suspended sentence for hurling racial insults during two separate matches. One of the players to be abused was Vinicius.
The ruling was later applauded by LaLiga president Javier Tebas. The league executive claimed at the time that soccer supporters who commit racial abuse should receive jail time. Nevertheless, it remains unclear if the outcomes of similar cases will follow this path.
Brazilian outlets attribute Vinicius Ballon d’Or loss to Copa America
Although the comments made by Vinicius Junior’s management staff are certainly eyebrow-raising, reports out of Brazil have a different take on the issue. Multiple media outlets in the player’s home country essentially blamed the Ballon d’Or snub on Brazil’s failure at Copa America 2024.
Despite entering the tournament as one of the favorites, Brazil shockingly fell at the quarterfinal stage. Uruguay topped their South American rivals in the match following a penalty shootout. Vinicius did not play in the game after picking up yellow cards in the team’s two previous fixtures.
Personal accolades are certainly a significant factor in the Ballon d’Or voting process. However, team success, both for club and country, also plays a major part in selecting a winner as well. This is a specific area where Rodri separated from Vinicius in the voting.
While Brazil struggled, Rodri guided Spain to the Euro 2024 championship. The midfielder’s stellar display earned him plaudits as the tournament’s best player as well. In total, Rodri has only lost once in his last 85 total games between Spain and City.
Manchester United wants to move quickly in its pursuit of Sporting manager Ruben Amorim. After a string of poor results, the Red Devils finally sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday. The now-former head coach departed the club as they sit 14th in the current Premier League standings. Almost immediately after the news regarding Ten Hag […]
Manchester United wants to move quickly in its pursuit of Sporting manager Ruben Amorim. After a string of poor results, the Red Devils finally sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday. The now-former head coach departed the club as they sit 14th in the current Premier League standings.
Almost immediately after the news regarding Ten Hag broke, Amorim became the frontrunner to succeed the Dutchman at United. Before being heavily linked with United, the Portuguese coach was expected to potentially replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Nevertheless, the reigning English champions will reportedly not step up efforts to target Amorim at the moment. City officials are still hopeful that Guardiola will sign a new contract extension and remain at the helm. The Spaniard’s current deal is set to expire in June. With City seemingly out of the way, United has a free run at Amorim.
The coach has also given the Red Devils the green light to discuss an agreement with Sporting. Because he is still under contract with the Portuguese club, United brass have to pay his release clause. This fee is reportedly around $11 million. Negotiations are expected to move quickly, as the Red Devils want Amorim on the sidelines for their matchup with Chelsea on Sunday.
Portuguese coach would bring key experience to his new club
Amorim’s managerial stock has skyrocketed in a relatively short amount of time. At just 39, he is currently seen as one of the top young managers in all of Europe. He has previously guided Sporting to the double in his first full campaign in charge. The coach then followed this up with another Primeira Liga title this past season.
Not only has Amorim collected trophies at Sporting, as well as Braga before that, but he has done so while taking over tough situations. Both Portuguese top-flight teams were struggling before he arrived. Assuming he does join United, Amorim will bring experience in successfully righting the ship with him to Manchester.
Along with possessing positive character and leadership traits, Amorim should boost player development at United. In particular, the coach has a history of developing young players into stars. This would certainly seem to benefit current Red Devils such as Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Leny Yoro.
Tactically, Amorim prefers a 3-4-3 formation, which typically transitions to a 5-2-3 when out of possession. Holding on to the ball, however, is key for the Portuguese coach. Under Amorim, Sporting currently dominates the Primeira Liga with an impressive 65% possession rate. The club also leads the league with 25 total shots per game and a successful pass rate of nearly 90%.
Amorim would likely need ample time to turn things around at United
United and its fans will welcome these figures. At the moment, the Red Devils do not even come close to any of these specific statistics. However, while Amorim is a top choice for United, patience would be mandatory.
For instance, there are clear squad issues up and down this United roster. Despite spending over $700 million on new players during the Ten Hag era, the Red Devils still need significant changes within the team. As a result, it could take time for the club to begin challenging for a Premier League title. Hiring Amorim should be a long-term project.
Amorim, or any other manager that would enter the fray, should also not expect this spending spree to continue in January. The Guardian claims that the new manager will have limited funds during the next transfer window.
United has attempted to balance the books in recent months due to the previous overspending. The club is also shelling out a hefty sum by making the managerial change. Along with paying Amorim’s salary and his $11 million release clause, United also has to pay Ten Hag a $17 million severance package.
Manchester City and Spain sensation Rodri claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or on Monday in one of the most controversial moments in the award's history. Almost all saw Real Madrid winger Vinicius as the clear frontrunner to win the award that goes to the best player in the world for any given season. Real Madrid, with […]
Manchester City and Spain sensation Rodri claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or on Monday in one of the most controversial moments in the award’s history. Almost all saw Real Madrid winger Vinicius as the clear frontrunner to win the award that goes to the best player in the world for any given season. Real Madrid, with Vinicius leading the way, won the Champions League and LaLiga. He scored 24 goals and tacked on eleven assists in all competitions in the 2023/24 season. That included a brace against Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the Champions League. He also dethroned Rodri and Manchester City in the quarterfinals, providing a brace at the Etihad in a 3-3 draw.
Rodri’s claim to success was his performance at the European Championship with Spain. While Vinicius and Brazil floundered in the United States this summer, Spain was dominant. Rodri won the award for Player of the Tournament as Spain did not lose the entire tournament. Yet, that was one international tournament. Rodri was not the best player on his club team this past season, much less the best in the world. Vinicius, who won the award as the best player in the UEFA Champions League, is a far more deserving candidate.
This is not to discredit Rodri. He is assuredly one of the best players in the world currently. Had Vinicius not performed so well with Real Madrid in the 2023/24 season, few would argue against Rodri being a deserving recipient of the 2023/24 Ballon d’Or. Yet, the Ballon d’Or has lost credibility as a true representation of the best player in the world.
Instead, it goes to the best player in an international tournament. In 2024, the award goes to Euro 2024 champion Rodri. In 2023, Lionel Messi won the award because of his World Cup performance in Qatar, not necessarily what he did with PSG and especially Inter Miami. Before then, Karim Benzema won the award as something of an undisputed champion. Yet, even before that, Lionel Messi won again because of the Copa America.
Ballon d’Or for Rodri draws more controversy to once proud award
Benzema’s triumph in 2022 is a rare occurrence of a player winning the Ballon d’Or as the player with both the best statistics and trophies. That means we are now in the third straight year of the player having the best season not winning the Ballon d’Or. The verbiage in this case is also important. Lionel Messi may have been the best player in the world in 2021 or 2023. In 2021, Robert Lewandowski had more goal contributions, including scoring in all but four games that he played in for the Bundesliga. However, the Ballon d’Or voters were enamored with the Copa America win.
Before then, Luka Modric won the Ballon d’Or after guiding Croatia to the World Cup Final. That was a fantastic achievement. However, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both had stronger cases for what they brought to their clubs and countries.
Over the years, the Ballon d’Or has become a popularity contest. It is refreshing in some regard to see Rodri win the award from his role as a defensive midfielder. Still, this is a product of his time with the Spanish national team. Had the award been given out at the immediate conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Vinicius would have won. It is hard to fathom that seven games at the Euros are enough to take that award away from him.
Inconsistency has become common for the Ballon d’Or, and it is leading to the overall distrust of the award as a true measure of greatness. The Real Madrid conglomerate of players and staff are not going to Paris because of their disappointment in Vinicius not receiving the Ballon d’Or. On one hand, it is disrespectful to Rodri and the other candidates. Yet, everyone thought Vinicius was the frontrunner. Broadcasters in El Clasico even said that Vinicius was going to win the award during the game against Barcelona. Now, though, the soccer world is left confused by the latest iteration of the popularity contest.
RB Leipzig Managing Director Johann Plenge, who has been with the club since it was in the fifth tier of German soccer, has opened up about the possibility of Bundesliga clubs playing league games abroad in a revealing new interview. Ask any fan of a Bundesliga club which league is most likely to play league […]
RB Leipzig Managing Director Johann Plenge, who has been with the club since it was in the fifth tier of German soccer, has opened up about the possibility of Bundesliga clubs playing league games abroad in a revealing new interview.
Ask any fan of a Bundesliga club which league is most likely to play league games abroad, and the guaranteed answer is either La Liga, Premier League, or both. Mention the Bundesliga in that same conversation, and you’ll get an avalanche of reasons why the German league will never play overseas.
So, when the 39-year-old RB Leipzig executive addressed the topic last week, Plenge told World Soccer Talk, “I don’t see it [happening] in the near future, no.”
However, he didn’t rule it out from happening in the long term.
He said, “Never say no to anything. In the end, this is important, football has to develop its product the way the fans would like to have it. The fan is in the center of everything, and if the majority of the fans would like to adopt a format, or talk about where cup finals should take place, these are discussions you would have to be open for.”
Bundesliga playing overseas? More work needs to be done first
Plenge prefaced the surprise comment by mentioning all of the steps that need to happen before the possibility of playing games overseas.
“For us in Germany, [having games played overseas] is not a discussion we need to have at the moment. We have to have easier discussions such as how we can improve our product, strengthen the relationship with foreign broadcasters, etc. I think this is three, four, or five steps too far [ahead], but we should focus on the next immediate steps first. [For example], the tender of the Bundesliga is currently running.
“So we have to do our homework first there before we can talk about having Bundesliga matches somewhere out of Germany or even out of Europe.”
Plenge’s frank comments received some pushback from reporters.
Plenge reiterated, “I think [playing games overseas] should not be the discussion we’re having next season or the next two, three or four years. How performance will look like in ten or fifteen years, I would leave it up to the fans about how they would like to have it. The Bundesliga has to structure the competition the way the fans want it.
“We would not say categorically no to whatever the fans would like to have the structure and location of where to play Bundesliga matches.”
A telltale sign of where the Bundesliga’s head is at is the recent signing of a deal with Relevent Sports, the agency that is trying to bring La Liga games to the United States, who also work closely with the English Football League and UEFA Champions League. For instance, it’s no secret that there have been several reports about the possibility of EFL and Champions League games being played in the United States in the future, so the link up with Relevent is clear.
Relevent is the common thread that binds them all together. Not only that but Relevent will be handling the Bundesliga’s marketing and communications in the United States. That may mean a new broadcaster in the future, but it could open the door for games being played stateside too.
“[The Bundesliga clubs] have some great stories to tell. We have to tell and distribute them properly. This is what the Bundesliga is doing at the moment. We just had the Relevent deal in place for the Americas. We think this will help the Bundesliga to grow. We have to be more than brave to try out new things.”
Plenge discussed innovation in the Bundesliga and how an example of this was the RB Leipzig bodycam that was used during last summer’s friendly versus Aston Villa, as well as in a training session during preparations for a Champions League match last week.
RB Leipzig blazes a trail
RB Leipzig is among one of a small group of innovative, forward-thinking Bundesliga clubs that are pushing the envelope in Germany.
As Plenge explained, “The conversations we do have with Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen and Frankfurt, they’re very driven about the future of how we can innovate the Bundesliga. There are some clubs that are the frontrunners of these conversations, and we want to be part of these.
“But the others who are not the drivers, they are open to discuss and to hear. And then we have to evaluate the impact for the fan and the commercial impact.”
Overall, Germany itself appears to be struggling with half of the country wanting transformative change, while the other half wants to remain traditional. For instance, many of the country’s government offices still use fax machines, which is just one example of many of the excessive bureaucracy in Germany.
At the same time, Germany has been seen as one of the most innovative countries in the world. It’s this clash between tradition and innovation that appears to be happening in the Bundesliga too. For now, though, the ultimate decision about playing games overseas rests with the supporters of Bundesliga clubs. It’s not going to be happening anytime soon, but the fact that the conversation is even happening is a big leap (forward or backward, depending on your viewpoint) for German football.
Liverpool’s Italian winger, Federico Chiesa, might be on the move again. This time, back to Serie A, as several top Italian clubs express interest in a January loan deal. After joining Liverpool in a late summer transfer from Juventus, Chiesa has faced challenges settling into the Premier League. Particularly due to recurring fitness concerns and […]
Liverpool’s Italian winger, Federico Chiesa, might be on the move again. This time, back to Serie A, as several top Italian clubs express interest in a January loan deal. After joining Liverpool in a late summer transfer from Juventus, Chiesa has faced challenges settling into the Premier League. Particularly due to recurring fitness concerns and limited match time. This has reportedly prompted the Reds to consider a potential temporary move for the Italian star.
Liverpool’s $13 million acquisition of Chiesa seemed a bargain when the Reds signed the Euro 2020 winner from Juventus. The 27-year-old, however, arrived at Liverpool without a full preseason. The Bianconeri’s manager Thiago Motta had sidelined him, which contributed to his lack of fitness and match sharpness. Following a delayed start, Chiesa made his Liverpool debut in a Champions League match against Milan on September 17. He came on as a substitute in a 3-1 victory.
His debut was followed by a Premier League appearance off the bench against Bournemouth. He eventually started his first game for Liverpool in an EFL Cup clash against West Ham; impressing fans by providing an assist in a 5-1 win. However, since that promising outing, Chiesa has been limited by an unspecified injury. It has kept him on the sidelines and raised concerns over his readiness for the Premier League.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot emphasized the importance of Chiesa adapting to the physical demands of English soccer. “He missed a complete preseason… That has not so much to do with the Italian league or the Premier League, but with him missing a complete preseason, which is so difficult for every player”, he added. “It’s a big disappointment for him that he is going in and out of training sessions all the time. I feel sorry for him.”
January loan back to Serie A on the cards for Chiesa?
Reports suggest that Liverpool are considering a loan arrangement to help Chiesa regain consistent playing time. Given his previous success in Italy, several top Serie A clubs, including Inter, Milan, and Roma, are said to be monitoring the winger’s situation. They are supposedly eager to bring him back to familiar territory where he has enjoyed much success.
Liverpool might agree to a loan if the right terms are met, including coverage of a portion of Chiesa’s $8 million annual salary. However, sources indicate that they are unlikely to consider any permanent transfer. Chiesa, who has a deal with the English giants until 2028, remains part of the club’s long-term plans despite his current setbacks. The Italian has a history of ailments that have reduced his market worth and restricted his playing time with Juventus. His current health difficulties are only the latest setback in this unfortunate trend.
Since joining Liverpool, the talented forward has only been available for three games, marking a challenging adaptation period amid fitness limitations and the high intensity of the Premier League. Nonetheless, he remains a player with strong potential. His stellar record with Fiorentina and Juventus, where he played in 235 games and contributed consistently, is proof of this. In that time, he scored 47 goals and added 43 assists.
Chiesa’s value as long-term asset for Liverpool
While Liverpool is open to options for Chiesa to regain form, the club recognizes the potential benefits of keeping him. With Liverpool competing in multiple tournaments, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, having depth on the bench, particularly in the winger position, could prove advantageous.
The winger also offers a valuable alternative for Liverpool should Mohamed Salah or other attacking players face injuries later in the season. Slot noted, “He signed a long-term contract so we will see what he brings for us,” underscoring Liverpool’s intent to maintain Chiesa as a key figure in the squad despite his early challenges.
Some analysts argue that a move back to Serie A could help Chiesa regain his previous form, while others believe that staying in Liverpool could allow him more time to adapt to the Premier League’s unique demands. Chiesa’s return to Italy, even temporarily, would allow him to play more consistently in an environment he knows well and regain the confidence needed to perform at his peak.
Neymar, currently playing with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has been linked to a potential transfer to MLS side Inter Miami. The star forward, who joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, could soon reunite with former teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets, all now part of Inter Miami’s ambitious lineup. In their pursuit […]
Neymar, currently playing with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has been linked to a potential transfer to MLS side Inter Miami. The star forward, who joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, could soon reunite with former teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets, all now part of Inter Miami’s ambitious lineup.
In their pursuit of the Brazilian superstar, the Florida club reportedly has already made a formal bid for him.
Neymar’s stint with Al-Hilal has been marked by an early knee injury that sidelined him for much of the season. Since recovering, he returned to the field on October 21.
He made a substitute appearance in a thrilling 5-4 AFC Champions League match against Al Ain. However, his position within the team appears uncertain. Journalist Tariq Al-Nawfal recently confirmed that Inter Miami have approached Al-Hilal with an official offer for Neymar, eyeing a January transfer window move.
Despite his recent return, the 32-year-old’s contract expires in June 2025. Thus, it allows him to begin negotiating with other clubs by early next year. As Al-Nawfal noted, Al-Hilal are reportedly “open to the idea of letting Neymar leave at the beginning of the year if a suitable offer is received” to recoup part of his transfer fee.
Economic and roster challenges for Inter Miami
Securing Neymar would mark a significant investment for Inter Miami, yet the club may face financial challenges. Currently, Miami lack sufficient resources for a deal of the magnitude required for Neymar. Especially considering his Blue Waves salary reportedly sits at around $80 million annually. If the transfer does proceed, Neymar will likely have to accept a significant pay cut to join the MLS team.
To complete the signing, Inter Miami must also free up a Designated Player (DP) slot. This MLS regulation allows each club to sign up to three players whose compensation exceeds the league’s salary cap. Messi, Busquets, and potentially Neymar would each qualify as DPs. As a result, they will have to create room within their roster if they wish to bring the Brazilian forward.
If the transfer succeeds, Neymar’s move to Inter Miami would reunite him with former Barcelona teammates Messi and Suarez. They would reform the famous ‘MSN’ trio that dominated European soccer during their Camp Nou years. The three players previously enjoyed a highly successful partnership in Europe, securing numerous titles together, including the UEFA Champions League.
Neymar himself previously hinted at a future move to Inter Miami in a conversation with the club’s co-owner, David Beckham. “I would join Inter Miami after finishing my career in Europe”, he said. Now, with Messi, Suarez, and Busquets already at the club, Miami offer him the opportunity to rejoin his former teammates sooner than anticipated.
How have Al-Hilal fared without Neymar?
During Neymar’s absence, Al-Hilal found success under the leadership of players like Bono, Ruben Neves, Koulibaly, Milinkovic-Savic, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, which saw the team maintain its position at the top of the Saudi Pro League. The Saudi club has assembled a roster with international talent and dominated local competitions, despite Neymar’s injury. They have even recently added Joao Cancelo, who is on loan from Manchester City.
However, with his future at the club uncertain, Al-Hilal has reportedly been exploring other player options, including potentially replacing Neymar with fellow Brazilian forward Vinicius.
Neymar’s potential move could set the stage for Inter Miami’s continued growth as an international soccer force. With their sights set on the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the 2025 Club World Cup, his addition would reinforce their star-studded squad as they compete for major titles. But beyond Miami’s ambitions, the transfer represents a new chapter for Neymar himself, offering him a chance to rejoin Messi, Suarez, and Busquets in a league with fresh challenges and opportunities.
Three of Brazil's top soccer teams are set to travel to Orlando in January for a string of friendlies. São Paulo, Atlético Mineiro, and Cruzeiro will join Major League Soccer side Orlando City in the latest edition of the FC Series. The competition, or the Florida Cup, is an annual group of soccer friendlies typically […]
Three of Brazil’s top soccer teams are set to travel to Orlando in January for a string of friendlies. São Paulo, Atlético Mineiro, and Cruzeiro will join Major League Soccer side Orlando City in the latest edition of the FC Series. The competition, or the Florida Cup, is an annual group of soccer friendlies typically in the Sunshine State.
FC Series was previously introduced in 2015 and has regularly featured some of the best clubs from across the globe. Brazilian top-flight teams, however, have been a mainstay in the tournament. São Paulo, Atlético Mineiro, Flamengo, and Palmeiras have all previously won the competition.
The most recent rendition of the FC Series, played this past summer, involved several marquee European sides. This included eventual winners Manchester City and also Barcelona, AC Milan, and Chelsea. Tournament organizers opted to relabel the competition because most of the recent matches were played outside of Florida.
Fierce Brazilian rivalry match comes to US for first time
Nevertheless, the competition will return to its original roots in January. The upcoming series of matches are perhaps highlighted by Superclássico Mineiro. Atlético and Cruzeiro, both from the city of Belo Horizonte, have one of the most intense rivalries in all of Brazil. The January fixture will be the first time that the two teams face off in the United States.
Along with the rivalry match, the final game of the series will be between Atlético and Orlando City. The Floridian side recently grabbed the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference section of the 2024 MLS playoffs. They face Charlotte in the competition. The triumphant side could potentially play Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami in the following round.
Three out of the four FC Series matches are at Orlando’s home stadium. However, São Paulo will also play an unknown team at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 19. Currently, Inter Miami plays its home fixtures at the arena. It remains unclear if Lionel Messi’s club will be the final team to feature in the January competition.
Ticketing info released as schedule not yet complete
São Paulo, Atlético Mineiro, and Cruzeiro are all currently in the top half of the 2024 Brazilian Serie A standings. As a result, the trio is looking to qualify for prestigious South American tournaments at the end of the season.
Historically speaking, no club has earned more Brazilian top-flight points than São Paulo. Tricolor Paulista has also collected six total Serie A titles in their illustrious history. Atlético and Cruzeiro have performed well in the division as well. The Belo Horizonte duo have combined to grab seven league titles.
Presale information for all four matches of the upcoming FC Series is currently available on FCSeries.com. Tickets officially go on sale to fans on Thursday, Oct. 31.
January FC Series Schedule:
Wednesday, January 15 – Cruzeiro vs. São Paulo – Inter&Co Stadium
Saturday, January 18 – Atlético Mineiro vs. Cruzeiro – Inter&Co Stadium
Sunday, January 19 – São Paulo vs. TBA – Chase Stadium
Saturday, January 25: Orlando City vs. Atlético Mineiro – Inter&Co Stadium
Manchester City star Phil Foden has blamed a slow start to the 2024/25 season on being burnt out. Several international soccer stars have voiced their frustrations in recent months over fixture congestion. FIFA and other governing bodies, such as UEFA, have infuriated players and coaches by adding more and more matches to the calendar. The […]
Manchester City star Phil Foden has blamed a slow start to the 2024/25 season on being burnt out. Several international soccer stars have voiced their frustrations in recent months over fixture congestion. FIFA and other governing bodies, such as UEFA, have infuriated players and coaches by adding more and more matches to the calendar.
The 2025 Club World Cup, in particular, is set to expand from seven clubs to 32 next summer. The tournament is being held in the United States as essentially a warmup to the 2026 World Cup the following year. UEFA also opted to make major alterations to the Champions League as well. The decision increased the total number of annual games played in the competition from 125 to 189.
The moves forced FIFPro, the global soccer players union, to threaten legal action against FIFA. Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League winners, warned that they would boycott the next Club World Cup as well. Foden’s club teammate Rodri also recently claimed that players could go on strike to combat the issue. The Spanish star suffered a season-ending injury just days after the remarks.
Star has yet to score a Premier League goal this season
Foden was expected to continue his stellar display following an incredible 2023/24 campaign with City. The attacker was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year after scoring 19 goals and adding eight assists in Premier League play last season.
Nevertheless, Foden has yet to score in the English top flight during the current campaign. He has even struggled to get ample playing time under manager Pep Guardiola this season. The midfielder has only been named in one of the Spaniard’s starting XI in the Premier League. Foden failed to make a real impact on the opportunity.
Following a massive 5-1 win against Sparta Progue on Wednesday, a game in which Foden scored and assisted goals, the attacker pointed to the intense 2023/24 season. The England international featured in 69 total games during the previous campaign between club and country.
“Last year, there were so many games,” stated Foden. “I put everything I could into it. I came back a little bit fatigued, which is normal. Rodri came back like that as well, a few players really.”
“It’s normal how many games we play — you have to burn out at some point. I’m making steps in the right direction and trying to get back to my best.”
Man City is still thriving without key contributions
Despite the lengthy season between club and country, Foden managed to remain relatively healthy in the campaign. For instance, the attacker was available for selection for every game during the entire 2023/24 season. The star has not missed a match due to injury since 2021. He was, however, previously sidelined with an illness and an appendectomy.
Nevertheless, the minor injuries that players, including Foden, endure take a toll on their bodies. “I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness,” continued Foden. “A few niggles as well. A few things added together.”
“But if you speak to any player, they’ve all been through the ups and downs of football. It was just a bump in the road if you like. I’m delighted I’m back and enjoying my football.”
While Rodri is on the sidelines and Foden has yet to hit full stride, City still has not lost a game this season. The reigning English champions remain just one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. They also sit comfortably in third place in the Champions League league phase.
New York City FC head coach Nick Cushing is reportedly being targeted by Arsenal Women. The Women's Super League (WSL) club is currently without a permanent manager after Jonas Eidevall resigned from the role. Eidevall had been at the helm since 2021 and guided them to back-to-back League Cup titles. However, the Swede stepped down […]
New York City FC head coach Nick Cushing is reportedly being targeted by Arsenal Women. The Women’s Super League (WSL) club is currently without a permanent manager after Jonas Eidevall resigned from the role. Eidevall had been at the helm since 2021 and guided them to back-to-back League Cup titles. However, the Swede stepped down after a poor start to the current campaign.
Cushing being linked with Arsenal Women certainly makes sense. The English coach previously managed fellow WSL side Manchester City for nearly seven years. Not only was he at the helm of one of the top English women’s teams for a while, but he earned multiple trophies as well. Cushing collected four trophies during his time with the club, including the 2016 WSL championship.
The previous triumph means that Cushing is one of only three coaches to win the WSL in the last decade. Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes dominated the division by collecting eight of the last 10 league titles. Along with Cushing, former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro also won a WSL championship during this timeframe.
Arsenal Women target Nick Cushing ahead of NYCFC’s playoff run
It remains to be seen, however, if Cushing would be interested in swapping Major League Soccer for the WSL. The Englishman has been at the helm of NYCFC since the summer of 2022. He departed Manchester City’s women’s team to join the MLS side. Although he has only compiled a win rate of 35% in just over 100 total matches in America, Cushing does have the club in the 2024 MLS playoffs.
NYCFC has the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference bracket of the tournament. As a result, Cushing will lead his team against Cincinnati in the first round of the playoffs. The matchup is scheduled for Monday, October 28th, in Ohio. If NYCFC can triumph they could potentially face off against rivals New York Red Bulls in the second round.
The club’s place in the postseason competition will cause Arsenal problems in their quest to sign Cushing. The WSL side would seemingly benefit in their pursuit of the coach if NYCFC suffered defeat next week.
Arsenal would also likely have to pay compensation to NYCFC, a club that shares ownership with bitter rivals Manchester City, to sign Cushing. The coach’s current contract does not expire until after the 2025 MLS season.
Move would be a major statement for women’s soccer
Assuming Cushing does jump ship and return to England, it would be a massive signing for Arsenal and the WSL. Women’s soccer, particularly in England and the United States, has seen a gigantic spike in fan interest in recent months. This is evident in a recent report that WSL has more than tripled its broadcasting viewership since inking a deal with YouTube.
Cushing, however, is not Arsenal’s only managerial option at the moment. The Gunners are also apparently not in a major rush to appoint a new permanent head coach. Renee Slegers is currently leading the team temporarily and will likely continue doing so shortly. The Dutch coach has managed to win both of her matches in charge of the team so far.
Soccer legends Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney may soon be entering a new arena—literally. The two sports icons are reportedly in talks for a potential boxing match. A reunion between these two ex-colleagues in the ring to settle scores has both soccer and boxing fans giddy with excitement. While Ibrahimovic and Rooney are known for […]
Soccer legends Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney may soon be entering a new arena—literally. The two sports icons are reportedly in talks for a potential boxing match. A reunion between these two ex-colleagues in the ring to settle scores has both soccer and boxing fans giddy with excitement.
While Ibrahimovic and Rooney are known for their soccer careers, both have strong ties to the world of combat sports. Zlatan, in particular, has a background in martial arts. A former kickboxer and honorary black belt in taekwondo, his interest in combat sports is far from casual. Misfits Boxing promoter Mams Taylor confirmed that the Swedish striker would want to step into the boxing ring. “I’ve tried to convince Zlatan, and he can fight. He’s seen a lot of Misfits fights, and he’s followed it”. The Swede’s agility and experience in kickboxing make him a formidable potential contender.
Wayne Rooney, on the other hand, has long been vocal about his passion for boxing. Known for his aggressive playing style on the pitch, Rooney’s physicality has always set him apart. Taylor also revealed that Rooney was close to making his debut in a Misfits Boxing event recently. He said, “Rooney’s always loved boxing, and we’ve had talks about it. It’s only a matter of time before it materializes”. Rooney’s stockier, heavyweight frame contrasts sharply with Ibrahimovic’s leaner, more agile build, making the fight an intriguing prospect.
Teammates turned opponents?
The prospect of a boxing match between Ibrahimovic and Rooney is particularly tantalizing due to their shared history. The two legends were once teammates at Manchester United under manager Jose Mourinho. During their time together at Old Trafford, they won several major titles, including the Europa League, League Cup, and Community Shield. However, this time, they won’t be working together but standing on opposite sides of the ring, prepared to trade blows instead of passes.
The unique chemistry they built during their time at Manchester United will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue to the fight. Both players are known for their fierce competitiveness on the pitch, and that rivalry could translate into the boxing ring. This could be more than just an exhibition match—it could be a clash of egos and pride.
A potential fight between Ibrahimovic and Rooney promises to be more than just a typical celebrity boxing event. These aren’t just stars looking for attention in retirement. Both players have taken their athletic conditioning seriously even after hanging up their boots. Even at the age of 42, Ibrahimovic continues to garner attention for his remarkable physical fitness. Despite retiring, he has maintained a strict fitness regime, regularly posting workout videos on his social media. Wayne Rooney, at 38, has similarly kept in shape while managing his career as a coach, currently in charge of Plymouth Argyle.
New chapter in their careers
Both men’s contrasting fighting styles will make for an exhilarating contest. Ibrahimovic’s height, reach, and agility could give him an edge in terms of movement and precision, while Rooney’s stockier build and raw power may give him the advantage in close-quarter exchanges. As Taylor noted, “Pairing Zlatan’s finesse with Rooney’s brute strength would make for quite the contest.”
While both men have already cemented their legacies in soccer, this potential boxing match represents a new chapter in their athletic journeys. Ibrahimovic, who retired in 2023 and now serves as a senior advisor at AC Milan, clearly still has the competitive fire burning inside him.
Rooney, who has transitioned into management, also seems eager for a fresh challenge. Their possible showdown in the boxing ring could be a testament to their enduring competitive spirits.
Premier League clubs are once again raising questions over the previous 2021 takeover of Newcastle. The Magpies changed hands three years ago after Mike Ashley offloaded the team to a consortium led by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Middle Eastern group paid nearly $400 million for an 80% stake in the club. Fellow […]
Premier League clubs are once again raising questions over the previous 2021 takeover of Newcastle. The Magpies changed hands three years ago after Mike Ashley offloaded the team to a consortium led by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Middle Eastern group paid nearly $400 million for an 80% stake in the club.
Fellow English top-flight teams attempted to block the deal because of direct ties between PIF and the Saudi state. The Premier League, however, sanctioned the purchase after receiving “legally binding assurances” that the Saudi state would not have control over the team.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters then tried to limit worries over the deal weeks after it was completed. Masters claimed that there was a “corporate difference” between PIF and the Saudi state. He also attempted to ease concerns by claiming that the division has the power to “remove the consortium as owners of the club” should they “find any evidence to the contrary.”
WhatsApp messages leave egg on the face of Premier League officials
New evidence now suggests that Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, controlled the 2021 takeover of Newcastle. This is according to leaked WhatsApp messages from former Magpies director Amanda Staveley. The British businesswoman officially brokered the deal between Ashley and PIF. She recently departed the club after selling her minority shares.
The messages obtained by The Telegraph highlight Salman’s direct involvement in the deal. The Saudi Prince even personally signed off on key decisions during the takeover.
As Ashley and PIF were in the negotiation phase, Staveley attempted to push the deal along via WhatsApp. The businesswoman informed the sellers that “the Crown Prince is losing patience” in the pending deal and that the governor of PIF was “trying to… convince the Crown Prince not to pull out.”
Staveley then received help from the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom to get an agreement in place. Weeks later, the Newcastle executive sent more messages claiming that she needed to “update the Saudi Ambassador at 4 PM, as he needs to update the Crown Prince.”
Staveley also claimed that Lord Gerry Grimstone, previously the UK’s minister for investment, assisted in the deal. According to the businesswoman, Grimstone “pushed behind the scenes and made it very clear that their preference is for the deal to go ahead.”
This all comes after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed that his government had no involvement whatsoever in PIF’s takeover of Newcastle. Johnson made the assertion in an official written parliamentary answer.
Newcastle deal led to the Premier League enacting APT rules
Staveley has since defended her WhatsApp messages through a statement from her lawyers. The attorney told The Telegraph that she “only ever referenced the Crown Prince in his capacity as chairman of PIF.” The statement also labeled suggestions that the Saudi state is controlling Newcastle as “illogical.”
It remains to be seen what the Premier League will do with this new information. Nevertheless, team execs in the division are likely to have an ‘I told you so’ moment with top-flight officials. Newcastle’s takeover also had a direct impact on the recent mayhem involving associated party transactions (APT).
Manchester City, linked with the United Arab Emirates, previously sued the Premier League over the laws. APTs are transactions between companies/parties under the same ownership.
The division implemented the rules right after PIF completed the takeover of Newcastle. Both City and Premier League officials claimed victories after the outcome of the court case. The seemingly split decision only causes more chaos in the situation.
Liverpool is reportedly set to receive a significant financial boost next summer. The Reds are expected to strike a lucrative kit deal with Adidas following the conclusion of the current campaign. The Merseyside club currently has an agreement in place with Nike. Nevertheless, the five-year deal with the American sportswear brand is set to expire […]
Liverpool is reportedly set to receive a significant financial boost next summer. The Reds are expected to strike a lucrative kit deal with Adidas following the conclusion of the current campaign. The Merseyside club currently has an agreement in place with Nike. Nevertheless, the five-year deal with the American sportswear brand is set to expire in June.
According to The Guardian, Liverpool earns a base annual fee of about $39 million from Nike. This particular figure is significantly less than what other top Premier League clubs receive in similar kit deals. The agreement, however, also includes several bonuses that help the Reds make more money.
For instance, performance-related rewards, commercial tie-ins, and 20% royalties on jersey sales help boost Liverpool’s income quite drastically. These extra bonuses can see the Reds earn closer to $77 million each season.
This particular sum would be more in line with other big English clubs. Arsenal and Chelsea both rake in around $77 million in their kit deals. The Gunners currently have a deal in place with Adidas, while the Blues are signed with Nike.
Adidas agreement will see Liverpool generate more funds
Liverpool recently opened a tender process to field offers for a new kit deal to begin in 2025. Although Nike and Puma attempted to sign with the Reds, Adidas bid the highest price. As a result, the German sportswear company will become Liverpool’s next jersey supplier for the next five years.
In the deal, the Reds will receive at least $77 million annually from Adidas. The Guardian claims that the potential final price tag could even reach a little higher.
Manchester City currently makes about $85 million each year in their agreement with Puma. Assuming the Liverpool and Adidas fee is worth a bit more than the base fee, the Reds could receive similar funds as the reigning English champions.
Soccer finance expert Mo Chatra has, however, claimed that Liverpool’s new deal with Adidas could reach as high as $130 million. Chatra backs up the assertion by revealing that Nike, due to their current partnership with the club, had the option to match any new deal.
The American company’s resistance suggests that Adidas offered the Reds notably more money. Nevertheless, Manchester United, generally seen as the most popular English soccer club in the world, currently has a $116 million kit deal with Adidas.
This is the highest price for any kit deal among Premier League teams. It seems unlikely that Liverpool would receive significantly more money from the sportswear company than their rivals.
Reds currently lead the Premier League under new coach
Liverpool is currently off to a flying start so far this season. Many expected the Reds to suffer early in the campaign due to a managerial change. Legendary German coach Jurgen Klopp departed the club in May. Arne Slot subsequently replaced him.
Interestingly enough, Klopp previously wore Adidas sneakers on the sidelines despite the team’s deal with Nike. The coach was able to don Adidas shoes because of a personal agreement with the German company.
Slot, however, has the Reds atop the Premier League table heading into matchday nine. Liverpool has only lost one top-flight game to start the season. This defeat came at the hands of Nottingham Forest in mid-September. The Reds will attempt to keep their lead in the standings as they face Arsenal in London this weekend.
Another American millionaire is looking to invest in an English soccer club. Nearly half of current Premier League teams are currently at least partially owned by American businessmen. Several clubs further down the English/Welsh soccer pyramid also have Americans at the helm as well. This includes Wrexham, but also Burnley, Birmingham City, Leeds United, and […]
Another American millionaire is looking to invest in an English soccer club. Nearly half of current Premier League teams are currently at least partially owned by American businessmen. Several clubs further down the English/Welsh soccer pyramid also have Americans at the helm as well. This includes Wrexham, but also Burnley, Birmingham City, Leeds United, and others.
The latest celebrity from the United States to be interested in a foreign club is A$AP Rocky. The 36-year-old New York rapper has been a prominent figure in the music industry since 2011.
Music, however, is far from the rapper’s only business venture. Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is also part of the fashion industry as well. He has personally collaborated with brands such as Guess, Gucci, Puma, and Bottega Veneta. Rocky also previously launched a Canadian whisky brand called Mercer + Prince. The rapper is dating billionaire singer and businesswoman Rihanna as well.
Club owner says deal with rapper to come ‘ASAP’
While a deal between Rocky and Tranmere Rovers is not yet completed, the club’s joint owner, Mark Palios, has hinted that an agreement is imminent. Palios previously purchased the League Two side along with his wife Nicola in 2014. The Englishman formerly played a majority of his playing career with the club throughout the 1970s and 80s.
Palios recently discussed the situation regarding his team during an interview with Sky Sports. “It’s been no secret over the past two years that we’ve been trying to attract investment into the club, although we’re not formally for sale,” said Palios.
Reports claim that A$AP Rocky is part of an investment group that wants to purchase an 80% stake in the team. The group is currently being led by celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina. The attorney’s former clients include Donald Trump, Michael Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, and Joran van der Sloot. Rocky and company will pay around $19 million to take control of Rovers.
“While I’m not confirming that A$AP Rocky is part of a consortium one way or the other, there are a number of people out there,” continued Palios. Nevertheless, the current Rovers co-owner coyly responded to a question of when a deal will be completed by saying: “ASAP.”
A$AP Rockey entering uneasy on-field situation at Tranmere Rovers
In a separate interview, Palios also recently discussed an influx of American investors looking to English soccer. “At the moment, if you’re looking at that particular group of people, the U.S. market is very attractive,” the businessman told talkSPORT.
“You’ve got the example of Wrexham recently, you’ve got the World Cup coming up there, you’ve got 85 million Americans watching English football. There’s actually a gap in the market which just happens to coincide with where we are in terms of development and taking it to the next stage.”
Tranmere Rovers have experienced a rollercoaster ride since Palios took the reins a decade ago. For instance, the club previously fell to the National League before earning promotions back to League One. However, the Rovers fell to League Two following the 2019/20 season. The English team has remained in the fourth division ever since.
Rovers find themselves 16th in the League Two table after 11 matches in the current campaign. The club has not won a match in the division since the final day of August. Teams that finish 23rd and 24th in the final table will drop down to the National League at the end of the season.
Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly setting their sights on Sporting manager Ruben Amorim as a potential future managerial candidate. Both clubs, whose current managers’ futures are uncertain, may soon be on the lookout for a new leader. Pep Guardiola's contract at City nearing its expiration and Erik ten Hag's tenure at United is […]
Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly setting their sights on Sporting manager Ruben Amorim as a potential future managerial candidate. Both clubs, whose current managers’ futures are uncertain, may soon be on the lookout for a new leader. Pep Guardiola‘s contract at City nearing its expiration and Erik ten Hag’s tenure at United is under scrutiny. Thus, the competition to secure Amorim’s services could intensify.
The Spaniard’s contract with the Citizens will expire at the end of the ongoing season. However, there has been no clear indication that the Spanish manager will extend his stay at the Etihad. After nearly a decade of success in Manchester, Guardiola might seek a new challenge. The uncertainty surrounding his future has naturally led City to explore potential replacements. As a result, Ruben Amorim has emerged as a strong candidate.
Amorim, 39, has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest managerial prospects thanks to his success at Sporting CP. Since joining the Lisbon-based club in 2020, he has revitalized the team. Thus, guiding them to a Primeira Liga title in 2021 and consistently keeping them competitive domestically and in European competitions.
Hugo Viana’s move to City instrumental?
City will soon welcome Hugo Viana, who now serves as Sporting’s director of football. Viana will replace Txiki Begiristain as the Sky Blues’ sporting director in 2025. Viana and Amorim have a strong working relationship, having enjoyed success together at Sporting. The potential reunion of the duo in Manchester has led to growing rumors that he could be Guardiola’s successor.
Christian Falk, a well-known reporter for Sky Germany, reinforced these rumors. He claims: “Ruben Amorim is not only on the list at Manchester City as a possible replacement for Pep Guardiola, but Manchester United in particular are also interested in him.”
United’s strategy to foil City’s Amorim ambitions
While City’s pursuit of Amorim is becoming more public, Manchester United have quietly been monitoring the manager’s situation as well. United’s current manager, Erik ten Hag, has faced increased pressure due to the team’s underwhelming start to the 2024-25 season. Despite the Dutchman leading the club to an FA Cup victory in his first season, United’s recent performances have sparked concerns about his long-term future at Old Trafford.
According to reports, they have already made specific inquiries about Amorim’s situation at Sporting. The Red Devils are considering potential managerial options in case they decide to part ways with the Dutchman. Although, they are currently giving him more time to turn things around.
The Express further elaborated on the situation, stating: “United have placed Amorim on their hit list in preparation for Erik ten Hag’s possible departure. The Dutchman is being given more time to turn things around at Old Trafford despite overseeing a miserable start to the season.”
Their interest in Amorim reflects the club’s desire to be proactive, ensuring that they are prepared for any managerial change. Amorim’s track record of developing young talent and his tactical acumen are qualities that align with United’s long-term vision.
Despite the swirling rumors about his future, the 49-year-old has shown no desire to leave Portugal during the winter transfer window. Christian Falk mentioned that Amorim “is not planning a move in winter since he has big ambitions with Sporting”. However, the manager’s contract until 2026, includes a release clause that clubs could trigger as early as next summer. This clause opens the door for both Manchester United and Manchester City to make formal moves if they decide to pursue the Portuguese coach.
Real Madrid, alongside Barcelona, remains optimistic that the controversial European Super League (ESL) will eventually come to fruition despite significant resistance from UEFA, FIFA and many fans. Over the past year, both Spanish clubs have been working diligently to revive the concept of the Super League. They aim to replace existing UEFA competitions, like the […]
Real Madrid, alongside Barcelona, remains optimistic that the controversial European Super League (ESL) will eventually come to fruition despite significant resistance from UEFA, FIFA and many fans. Over the past year, both Spanish clubs have been working diligently to revive the concept of the Super League. They aim to replace existing UEFA competitions, like the Champions League, with this new tournament. For now, Madrid and Barcelona are the only two clubs officially signed up. However, organizers and supporters believe that the climate in Europe could favor the ESL’s eventual success.
According to reports from Relevo, Real Madrid are “very optimistic” about the Super League’s potential to succeed. The organizers, A22, are, in fact, tentatively planning a launch for September 2025. However, this date remains flexible as the parties involved navigate ongoing legal and regulatory challenges. A22 is working on transforming the ESL into a more competitive and engaging spectacle; one that offers fans a higher-quality experience compared to current UEFA tournaments.
The focus of the ESL is not on the number of matches but on enhancing the significance of each fixture. Thus, providing a “better football experience,” as chairman Reichart puts it. This goal contrasts with UEFA’s expanding tournament formats. Its critics argue that it prioritizes quantity over quality, contributing to player fatigue and a congested calendar.
Real Madrid continues to lock horns with UEFA amid Super League
The increasing dissatisfaction with the way UEFA and FIFA have handled the calendar is powering the club’s optimism. In recent years, both governing bodies have introduced new competitions and expanded existing ones. Thus, placing increasing physical and mental strain on players. Many prominent players have voiced concerns over the excessive number of matches. It not only impacts their performance but also heightens the risk of injury.
For Madrid, these annoyances represent a chance to thrive. If UEFA and FIFA fail to address these issues, Real Madrid and Barcelona believe they could sway more clubs to join the ESL. The breakout league promises fewer matches of higher intensity and importance.
Financial considerations and technological innovation
A critical element of the Super League’s strategy is its potential financial benefits. With lower television rights than current UEFA tournaments, the ESL aims to create a more affordable and fan-friendly product. Reichart has indicated that the competition will leverage new technologies to deliver an improved viewing experience, further distinguishing it from existing formats.
The ESL is positioning itself as a premium tournament that can attract global audiences with fewer, but more competitive, matches. The proposed format will follow a classic league structure with home and away games, culminating in a playoff system to crown the champion. This approach, Reichart suggests, will reduce the lopsided matchups that often occur in the Champions League group stages, as evidenced by Bayern’s 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb or Borussia Dortmund’s 7-1 thrashing of Celtic.
Despite Los Blancos’ optimism, there are substantial challenges facing the Super League’s revival. The initial attempt to launch the ESL in 2021 was met with fierce backlash from fans, players, managers, and clubs across Europe. The heavy criticism led to the withdrawal of several founding members, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and other Premier League teams, effectively halting the project.
This time around, the ESL organizers are approaching the concept with greater caution, hoping to address some of the concerns raised during the first launch. One key point of contention remains the elitism of the competition, which in its original format would have guaranteed places for founding clubs, regardless of performance. Reichart and A22 have signaled their willingness to revise this aspect, promoting a more meritocratic approach where qualification is earned.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has fueled future speculation that he could leave the club after the 2024/25 season. The Spaniard has been with the reigning English champions since signing on in 2016. He most recently penned a contract extension back in 2022. The deal, however, only keeps the legendary coach in place until June […]
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has fueled future speculation that he could leave the club after the 2024/25 season. The Spaniard has been with the reigning English champions since signing on in 2016. He most recently penned a contract extension back in 2022. The deal, however, only keeps the legendary coach in place until June 2025.
As a result, Guardiola, the highest-paid Premier League manager, is set to be out of contract at the end of the current campaign. The Spanish coach’s future with City has been one of the most-followed soccer stories in recent months. While he has yet to give a definitive answer regarding the issue, a move behind the scenes at City may help sway his decision.
Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, recently announced that he would be leaving the club after 12 years on the job. Guardiola and Begiristain have a close relationship after previously working together at Barcelona.
The Spanish duo were first teammates at the Catalan club in the 1990s. They then later worked together at the Spanish side as executive and manager. Begiristain eventually left Barca for City in 2012 and essentially helped the English team attract Guardiola four years later.
Guardiola: ‘A part of me is leaving’ with Begiristain
Guardiola was asked about the upcoming departure of his close friend during a press conference on Friday. “Part of me is leaving,” proclaimed the coach. “A friend of mine, an architect who created one of the best teams at Barcelona, and here. Personally, he will be missed a lot.”
“He made me balanced in this job. I’m so energetic, and when we lose, I want to destroy everything, and he always said, ‘Take a moment.’ In all the families, we have to move on, and the club will move on.”
Guardiola was recently linked with the England national team job before the Football Association (FA) eventually hired Thomas Tuchel. The Spaniard was asked multiple times on Friday if he discussed the role with the FA. Guardiola, however, opted not to confirm or deny the talks. Nevertheless, the City manager did confirm that he does want to manage a national team.
City star says club already has future Guardiola replacement in mind
The admission comes as City goalkeeper Ederson has claimed that the club may already have a Guardiola successor lined up. “I believe the club already has the next manager in mind,” Ederson told TNT Sports Brazil. “The day Pep decides to leave, they will try to follow the same line of work. Of course, it would be a great loss. I have no doubt about that because you are talking about the best coach in the world. I see a club very well prepared for post-Guardiola [era].”
Current Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has links with a potential move to City if Guardiola resists a new contract. The move would seemingly make sense for multiple reasons. First of all, Amorim is a highly-rated young coach who will undoubtedly join a top team in the future.
On top of this, Sporting’s Hugo Viana will replace Begiristain next summer. Viana has been the director of football at the Portuguese club since 2021. The executive would likely want to bring Amorim with him to City in June, assuming Guardiola is not in place.
Whatever Guardiola decides, City will give their coach as much time as he wants to sort out his future. It remains unclear if the outcome of the club’s ongoing court case will affect the coach’s final call. While Guardiola has not officially made a final decision, he did admit on Friday that he will depart Manchester “sooner or later.”
As Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City begins to wind down, speculation has been rife about who might step into his shoes when his contract expires in 2025. The Premier League champions are reportedly considering Sporting Lisbon’s young and dynamic manager, Ruben Amorim, as a potential successor. With Guardiola's future uncertain, the club is keen […]
As Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City begins to wind down, speculation has been rife about who might step into his shoes when his contract expires in 2025. The Premier League champions are reportedly considering Sporting Lisbon’s young and dynamic manager, Ruben Amorim, as a potential successor. With Guardiola‘s future uncertain, the club is keen to have a contingency plan in place. For them, this could be a monumental transition.
Since taking the reins at City in 2016, Guardiola has led the club through its most successful period in history. The crowning moment of his reign came in the 2022-23 season. The Sky Blues achieved a historic Treble, claiming the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles. Such achievements have made the Spaniard a legend at the club. Thus, whoever follows in his footsteps will undoubtedly face immense pressure to maintain the standards he set.
However, despite his remarkable success, his future at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain. The Spanish tactician has been cryptic about his plans, leaving both fans and pundits in suspense. The 53-year-old recently stated, “Anything can happen”. He has given no clear indication of whether he intends to extend his contract or leave the club at the end of the current season.
City wants Amorim: A rising star in Europe
Manchester City’s interest in Ruben Amorim is not surprising, given the young manager’s rapid rise in European soccer. Amorim has been on the radar of several top clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, and West Ham. He has impressed with his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent. At just 39 years old, Amorim has already guided Sporting Lisbon to two Portuguese league titles. Thus, making him one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.
The Guardian reports that City’s interest in Amorim is closely tied to Hugo Viana. Sporting Lisbon’s current director of football will, interestingly, join City in 2025. Viana’s arrival will mark the end of Txiki Begiristain’s 12-year tenure as the club’s director of football. Given Amorim’s close relationship with Viana, it seems logical that City would consider him a strong candidate to succeed Guardiola. “With Viana overseeing recruitment, Amorim would be a natural choice for the managerial role should Guardiola step down”, David Ornstein of The Athletic added.
Financial uncertainty and Guardiola’s decision
Another factor complicating Guardiola’s future is Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle over alleged financial misconduct. The club is facing 115 charges related to financial irregularities, which could result in severe penalties, including expulsion from the Premier League. This cloud of uncertainty may influence the manager’s decision to stay or leave the club.
Although Guardiola has been linked with the England national team manager’s job, reports suggest that former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the Football Association’s (FA) preferred candidate. The Times recently reported, “The FA approached Guardiola, but due to his indecision, they have moved forward with Tuchel.” This development makes it increasingly likely that Guardiola’s next move, if he leaves City, will be elsewhere in club soccer rather than at the helm of a national team.
Additionally, Amorim’s coaching style aligns well with the footballing philosophy that has defined Manchester City under Guardiola. His emphasis on high-pressing football, combined with his ability to nurture young talent, makes him an attractive option for City’s hierarchy. Pep himself has praised Amorim, notably ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash in the 2021-22 season, saying, “Maybe I get advice from him. His career is going well, his personality, the way they play. The minute one, they try to win.”
Reports from The Guardian suggest that City’s leadership sees Amorim as a “logical successor” to Guardiola. His age and potential for long-term success align with the club’s desire to build a sustainable future. Moreover, his strong connection with Viana, who will be in charge of recruitment, further strengthens his candidacy.
Barcelona are already planning for life after Robert Lewandowski, and recent reports suggest that their top target is none other than Erling Haaland. Club president Joan Laporta is known for bringing in marquee signings to bolster excitement and success. Thus, he has identified Haaland as a potential game-changer for the future of the club. The […]
Barcelona are already planning for life after Robert Lewandowski, and recent reports suggest that their top target is none other than Erling Haaland. Club president Joan Laporta is known for bringing in marquee signings to bolster excitement and success. Thus, he has identified Haaland as a potential game-changer for the future of the club. The Blaugrana have been linked with Haaland before., but the current pursuit appears more serious. Laporta is reportedly keen to make the Norwegian striker the focal point of the club’s long-term strategy.
Per Sport, Laporta has outlined Haaland as the club’s number one priority to strengthen their attack in the coming years. The plan is for Haaland to arrive by 2025 or 2026; ideally to coincide with the reopening of the renovated Camp Nou. The club’s president views the Norwegian as a “strategic signing” who could secure Barcelona’s place among Europe’s elite. He would also serve as a symbolic statement to the world of soccer, ensuring the club’s status and competitiveness.
Barcelona’s relationship with Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, is positive. That could work in their favor during negotiations. The club had previously shown interest in Haaland in 2021, but financial constraints prevented any serious discussions. Nevertheless, the Catalans see a window of opportunity to recruit the Norwegian star. All thanks to the impending fines over Manchester City‘s suspected financial violations and the possible resignation of coach Pep Guardiola.
Ideal Lewandowski successor?
Robert Lewandowski, who turned 36 this summer, has been a crucial figure for Barcelona. However, the La Liga giants are aware of the need to plan for the future. He continues to perform at a high level, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 11 games this season. Nonetheless, the Pole is nearing the twilight of his career. Thus, Barca has already started making moves for his eventual successor. The club recognizes that they will need a marquee name, and Haaland fits that bill perfectly.
Haaland’s release clause, which was activated in the summer of 2024, is reportedly set at $217 million for clubs outside of the Premier League. This clause will decrease to $190 million in 2025. This provided Barcelona with a potentially more affordable option to sign him during that window.
Financial and competitive challenges
Haaland has links with both Barcelona and Real Madrid. His signing will depend on various factors, including Barcelona’s financial situation. Despite the club’s ongoing monetary challenges, Laporta aims to secure the funds necessary to bring in the star striker. Barcelona’s future financial strategy, bolstered by potential sponsorship deals like the one with Nike, could give them the resources to complete such a high-profile signing.
At Manchester City, Haaland has been incredibly successful, scoring 90 goals in his first two seasons and winning major trophies. This includes two Premier League titles and the Champions League. However, reports suggest that the prolific striker never intended to stay for the long term. With Guardiola potentially leaving and City embroiled in legal issues over financial rule breaches, he may be more open to a move away from the Etihad.
Once again, the European Super League is rearing its head with a new launch date and revised aspirations. The original plan for the Super League was to create a new competition that would give the biggest teams and players more freedom. Not only would this give them more money, but it would help the fans. […]
Once again, the European Super League is rearing its head with a new launch date and revised aspirations. The original plan for the Super League was to create a new competition that would give the biggest teams and players more freedom. Not only would this give them more money, but it would help the fans. The contentious league met harsh criticism from fans and clubs alike. Now, though, the organizers of the league are working to get it going again.
Bernd Reichart, the CEO of Super League organizing group A22, now has a defined starting time for the competition. Speaking to German outlet Kicker, Reichart identified a time less than one year from now as the point he wants the league to start. That time is September 2025. There has not been significant discussion about teams that would be interested in joining the European Super League. Regardless, Reichart remains confident that the league fits the desires of fans and clubs alike.
For example, the original aim of the Super League was to create intriguing matches on a European scale. At one point, clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City and Inter Milan expressed an interest in the league. Any time those teams play, fans tune in.
Reichart pointed to the new-look Champions League that, in some ways, incorporates aspects of the European Super League. Bayern Munich defeated Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 before Borussia Dortmund blasted Celtic for a 7-1 win. In Reichart’s eyes, the European Super League will give fans more matchups like Manchester City against Inter Milan or Arsenal against PSG. The former of those fixtures happened in this season’s Champions League, but that was a drab and scoreless draw.
Reichart: Super League launch date will also be more affordable for fans
In addition to having highlight-level matches, Reichart went on to add that the European Super League will also be more cost-effective. Currently, one of the biggest complaints among soccer fans is how expensive it is to watch. For example, watching a top Premier League club involves three different providers to watch all the games. ESPN has the FA Cup, NBC holds the rights to the Premier League and CBS wraps up the European competitions and the EFL Cup.
“We are studying new technologies and the business model based on them because we believe that football fans deserve a better and more affordable experience on their screens,” Reichart said.
In fairness, he did not mention how he and A22 achieve a more affordable product. In the past, the organizers had mentioned free streaming of all games in the European Super League. It would make money based on advertisements. However, this cannot rival the money that partnerships with TV providers would bring in. Clubs would certainly need assurances that they will still be able to make money if they are to join this competition.
Regardless, the launch date that A22 wants for the Super League is less than a year away. By that measure, it must work quickly to round up enough clubs that would bring in considerable interest to drive the product’s viewership.
Several Manchester City players lent teammate Benjamin Mendy money while he was facing rape and sexual assault charges. The now-former City star was previously arrested and charged with multiple counts of the offenses in 2021. The original charges stemmed from accusations from three different women. However, testimonies from several additional alleged victims led to even […]
Several Manchester City players lent teammate Benjamin Mendy money while he was facing rape and sexual assault charges. The now-former City star was previously arrested and charged with multiple counts of the offenses in 2021.
The original charges stemmed from accusations from three different women. However, testimonies from several additional alleged victims led to even more charges. In the end, Mendy faced charges of eight rapes, one attempted rape and one sexual assault. Due to the circumstances, the court denied Mendy bail at the time.
Mendy was, however, eventually acquitted in the cases and was set free. Following the legal result, the full-back signed with French side Lorient as a free agent in the summer of 2023. The club currently features in Ligue 2, the second-tiered division in the country.
Mendy is suing Man City for $15 million in unpaid wages
Nevertheless, Mendy’s time in court is not over yet. The defender is suing his former club for unpaid wages. As a result of the previous issue, City allegedly stopped paying Mendy his salary immediately after his arrest. These wages totaled around $650,000 each month.
Along with his base wages, Mendy also had certain stipulations in his contract for additional bonuses. This included a $1.1 million reward for appearing in at least 60% of City’s games. Mendy was going to receive a $1.3 million bonus for Champions League qualification and another $1.5 million in image rights. In total, Mendy is demanding $15 million in unpaid wages from the club.
The defender claims that without this money, he essentially went broke due to legal fees, bills, and child support. As a result, his agent and multiple City players chipped in to help out their struggling teammate.
Mendy specifically named Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez as players who lent him money at the time. Silva is currently the only one of the trio to still be playing for City. Sterling eventually moved on to Chelsea and now Arsenal. Mahrez, on the other hand, landed a massive contract to play for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.
City execs allegedly left Mendy on read after trial
In a recent appearance in court, Mendy alleges former City executive Omar Berrada told him that he would receive his City salary if he cleared the charges. The defender then claimed that his messages to Berrada and club CEO Khaldoon al-Mubarak earned no replies after his acquittal. Berrada recently departed the reigning English champions for rivals Manchester United.
“I would have thought that Manchester City, of all clubs, would appreciate the lack of control and anger that a person or entity has with being charged with false allegations given the Premier League allegations that they are facing,” read Mendy’s witness statement.
“At no point have Manchester City apologized to me or even acknowledged how their actions almost cost me everything. I believe that it is fair and just for me to be paid the wages that I would have earned but for being falsely arrested for crimes that I did not commit.”
Mendy also faced a British tax problem earlier this year. The issue was, however, resolved after the Frenchman paid a $915,000 bill. The case regarding the unpaid City wages wraps up later this week.
The English Football Association (FA) has reportedly agreed a contract with Thomas Tuchel to become the next England manager. The Three Lions have been without a permanent boss since Gareth Southgate resigned from the position in July. This came following England's loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Lee Carsley was eventually named interim […]
The English Football Association (FA) has reportedly agreed a contract with Thomas Tuchel to become the next England manager. The Three Lions have been without a permanent boss since Gareth Southgate resigned from the position in July. This came following England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Lee Carsley was eventually named interim head coach of the national team. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder has been on the sidelines for England’s last four fixtures. Carsley got off to a solid start, winning his first two games in charge. The results seemingly boosted the coach’s chances of becoming the team’s permanent manager.
Nevertheless, a loss to Greece on October 10th quickly soured the feeling surrounding Carsley. Although England was able to get back on track under the interim coach against Finland, it seems as if the FA will move in a different direction.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is the FA’s top target for the England job. The Spaniard’s future is currently in the air, as his contract at the club is set to expire in June. It remains to be seen, however, if Guardiola would be interested in a future role with the Three Lions.
Tuchel brings excessive baggage with on-field success
The FA’s decision to hire Tuchel is understandable. After all, the German is widely considered one of the top soccer coaches in the world. He has worked with some of the top clubs throughout his career, including Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
Not only has Tuchel received big jobs, but he has delivered practically everywhere he has gone. In fact, the German lifted trophies with all four of these prestigious clubs. Overall, he has collected nine titles between 2017 and 2023. This includes Ligue 1 and Bundesliga triumphs, as well as the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League trophy with Chelsea.
Despite these successes, Tuchel is undeniably a handful to work with. Following his dismissal from the Blues, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly described the German as a “nightmare” to deal with. Tuchel also endured similar issues with team brass at PSG and Bayern as well.
A constant theme in Tuchel’s issues with his former clubs generally involves differences of opinion in player transfers. This obviously would not exactly become a problem with a national team. However, transfers have not always been the German’s sole concern. Tuchel’s overall strong personality has hindered relationships within the hierarchy of the aforementioned clubs.
Tuchel would be a massive gamble by the England FA
Undoubtedly the biggest question regarding the German is whether or not he would be worth the hassle. Some could say that perhaps England needs a more combative figure at the helm to help bring actual trophies.
Nevertheless, signing the German would seemingly go against how the governing body typically functions. The FA has generally selected a head coach who fills somewhat of an ambassador role in the position.
They have opted to pick managers in recent years who are a bit reserved and willing to conform to upper management within the national team setup. Tuchel, however, would not fit into this category.
Picking Tuchel as England’s next manager would certainly be a risky move by the FA. Along with the massive baggage he will bring, the German will also likely cost a pretty penny. If the German’s managerial run at falls apart, something that we have seen multiple times before, the move would be a costly mistake.
Tuchel will become just the third non-British full-time manager in England’s history. Sweden’s Sven-Goran Eriksson and Italy’s Fabio Capello were previously head coaches for the Three Lions.
Kylian Mbappe has ignited controversy with his recent decision to limit his involvement with the France national team. The 25-year-old Real Madrid forward is one of the best players on the planet. However, he has reportedly informed the French Football Federation (FFF) that he wishes to participate only in "important" international matches. This decision, driven […]
Kylian Mbappe has ignited controversy with his recent decision to limit his involvement with the France national team. The 25-year-old Real Madrid forward is one of the best players on the planet. However, he has reportedly informed the French Football Federation (FFF) that he wishes to participate only in “important” international matches. This decision, driven by his desire to win the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2025, has caused a stir among France’s soccer community and fans alike.
Foot Mercato claims that Mbappe’s concentration on personal goals is why he has chosen to sit out certain international matchups. Such are the most recent UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium and Israel. His primary goal is to avoid unnecessary injuries and preserve his fitness for Real Madrid. Particularly as he eyes the 2025 Ballon d’Or—an award he has yet to win. It is commonly believed that Mbappe’s Los Blancos colleague Vinicius will win the Ballon d’Or in 2024. However, the Frenchman has his eyes set on winning the award the following year.
An ever-increasing workload for players at the club and international levels is at the heart of Mbappe’s reasoning for this choice. For his part, Mbappe seems to be proactively addressing worries about the physical demands of these games. Especially, in order to prolong his career and perform at his best in important contests.
France fans and media react to Mbappe
While Madrid may welcome Mbappe’s decision to focus on club action, the reaction in France has been far from positive. Many, including fans, commentators, and ex-players, have taken issue with his decision to skip crucial matches while leading Les Bleues. The Irresistibles Français, the primary supporter group of the national team, voiced their disapproval. They state that it is “not normal” for the team’s captain to opt out of matches; particularly at such a critical stage in international competition.
Fans initially attributed Mbappe’s recent decision to skip the international break to a thigh injury that could sideline him for weeks. However, the situation became more contentious when he recovered to feature in Real Madrid’s last match before the break. This further raised questions about his commitment to the national team. Since he was named to Madrid’s roster but not the France squad, many assumed he was putting his club career ahead of his national team commitments.
Further exacerbating the situation, the 26-year-old was spotted in Stockholm, Sweden, during France’s UEFA Nations League match against Israel. He was photographed dining at a restaurant and later seen at a nightclub. It was certainly a move that did not sit well with French fans, who questioned his dedication to the team. Although Real Madrid reportedly approved the vacation, the optics of the situation intensified the public outcry.
Mbappe’s strained relationship with France
This recent controversy adds to the already strained relationship between Mbappe and the French national team. In the previous international break in September, the French captain openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s defensive playing style. He stated that he did not care about fan discontent regarding the unattractive tactics. Fans met his comments with boos from French supporters. This further highlights the growing divide between the player and his country’s fanbase.
Moreover, Didier Deschamps, France’s head coach, has acknowledged that Mbappe was not in the best psychological condition during the last international break. This admission suggests that there may be underlying issues affecting the player’s relationship with the national team beyond his current injury concerns.
Despite the backlash, Mbappe appears resolute in his decision to prioritize his club career and personal ambitions over the national team. His goal of winning the Ballon d’Or has taken precedence, and in his view, limiting his international appearances to only crucial matches is necessary to achieve this objective.
From the Spaniards’ perspective, the superstar’s decision could be a blessing in disguise. The Spanish giants are undoubtedly keen to keep their star forward fresh and available for as many matches as possible during the demanding football calendar. With Mbappe now reducing his international commitments, the likelihood of injury diminishes, which could allow him to contribute more consistently to Madrid’s success.
Vinicius has found himself at the center of transfer speculation, with Al-Hilal showing a keen interest in acquiring his services. He has been a mainstay at Real Madrid and a key figure in their lineup. But while Neymar's future with the Saudi club is still in the air, Al-Hilal has their sights set on the […]
Vinicius has found himself at the center of transfer speculation, with Al-Hilal showing a keen interest in acquiring his services. He has been a mainstay at Real Madrid and a key figure in their lineup. But while Neymar’s future with the Saudi club is still in the air, Al-Hilal has their sights set on the Brazilian winger.
According to Marca, Al-Hilal’s interest in Vinicius stems from their concerns over Neymar‘s contract, which will expire in June 2025. Injuries have hampered the veteran’s tenure at the club, despite his legendary status. Thus, Al-Hilal’s management is reconsidering whether to retain him beyond his current deal. As a result, they have shifted their focus toward a player they see as a dream signing—Vinicius Junior.
Neymar’s arrival in the Middle East from Paris Saint-Germain was seen as a landmark signing for the Saudi Pro League. However, the Brazilian forward has struggled with injuries, and a recent cruciate ligament tear has sidelined him until 2025. Despite his superstar status, the Blue Waves’ management is contemplating whether to extend his contract or let him leave as a free agent in 2025.
With Neymar’s uncertain future, Al-Hilal is eyeing potential replacements to maintain their dominance in the Saudi Pro League. Many regard Vinicius as one of the best wingers in the world and a key candidate for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. As a result, the Saudi side sees him as an ideal successor to the 32-year-old. The Brazilian forward’s speed, dribbling skills, and ability to change games have made him a target for Al-Hilal. Especially, as they are willing to break the bank to bring him to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal’s determination and financial power
At 24, Vinicius is already one of the most valuable footballers globally. Valued at €200 million by Transfermarkt, he remains a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s squad. The Brazilian is also under contract with the Spanish giants until 2027. His €1.1 billion release clause further highlights his significance to the club. It also indicates Madrid’s intent to retain him for the foreseeable future,
Real Madrid supposedly isn’t concerned about losing Vinicius, despite the increasing interest from Al-Hilal. They know of the Saudi club’s plans, but they’re still confident in the forward’s commitment to sticking with the club. Vinicius is unlikely to leave Real Madrid anytime soon due to his exorbitant release clause. There is also his strong desire to continue his adventure there.
Madrid’s faith in the Brazilian star is built on his rapid rise over recent seasons, where he has consistently delivered standout performances. His dribbling, goalscoring prowess, and overall influence on the pitch have made him one of the most important players in the world. With his contract running until 2027, the club sees him as a key piece in their long-term project. Thus, making any potential departure seem far-fetched.
Al-Hilal’s determination and financial power
Al-Hilal, one of the most prominent clubs in the Saudi Pro League, have been aggressive in their pursuit of European talent. The club already boasts an impressive lineup, featuring players like Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, and Franck Kessie. Including Vinicius would also boost their stature even further. Their financial clout has allowed them to make bold moves in the transfer market. This included their successful bid for Neymar in 2023.
The Saudi Pro League champions are no strangers to making record-breaking offers. Earlier reports indicated that Vinicius had turned down a €1 billion offer from a Saudi club, a deal that would have been the largest in sports history. This rejection shows that while money is no object for Al-Hilal, Vinicius is focused on his career in Europe for the time being.
Al-Hilal remains undeterred by this initial setback and is expected to return with another major bid during the 2025 summer transfer window. With Neymar’s contract expiring at the same time, Al-Hilal sees this as the perfect moment to make their move. The Saudi club’s management, led by executives like Khaled Al Issa, has made it clear that they view Vinicius as the ideal replacement for Neymar.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has officially withdrawn from the England national team due to injury. The 23-year-old winger was last seen limping off of the pitch during a recent matchup with Greece. Saka was substituted in the 51st minute of the Nations League fixture. Greece went on to shock England 2-1 thanks to a late […]
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has officially withdrawn from the England national team due to injury. The 23-year-old winger was last seen limping off of the pitch during a recent matchup with Greece.
Saka was substituted in the 51st minute of the Nations League fixture. Greece went on to shock England 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Vangelis Pavlidis.
After initial tests on the lower leg issue, Saka has returned to Arsenal for additional assessment. As a result, the star will miss England’s trip to Finland. The Three Lions finish out their international break against the Eagle-Owls on Sunday, October 13th.
Results from the scans at the North London club are not yet known. Arsenal, however, will resume their 2024/25 season with a trip to the South Coast next weekend. Bournemouth hosts the Gunners in a Premier League matchup on Saturday, October 19th. It remains to be seen if their star player can be fit enough for the fixture.
Saka has featured heavily for club and country in recent years
The setback comes as several international players have publicly griped about increasing schedules. Manchester City superstar Rodri recently claimed that players may eventually go on strike to combat fixture congestion. Several other prominent players then backed up Rodri’s assertion.
The midfielder subsequently suffered a major knee injury just days later. As a result, the Spaniard will miss the remainder of the campaign.
Bukayo Saka not going to Finland. Returning to Arsenal for treatment. Curtis Jones also not travelling.
Not only are more and more matches taking place, but Saka, in particular, has featured heavily in recent years. Despite being just 23, the Arsenal star already has 42 total England caps. He has been the starting right-winger in each of his national team’s last 10 total games. Seven of these appearances came during Euro 2024.
Saka also plays most matches for Arsenal as well. In fact, the winger has been in manager Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup in 115 of the team’s last 121 Premier League games. His last appearance in the English top flight as a substitute came 18 months ago during a matchup against Leeds in April 2023.
Arteta has relied heavily on Saka due to his importance to the team. The star has racked up 43 goals and 34 assists in league play since the start of the 2021/22 season.
Arsenal are already dealing with injured captain
Saka’s setback comes just weeks after club captain Martin Odegaard also endured an injury while on international duty. The Norwegian midfielder has been out since early September with a nasty ankle issue.
Without their main playmaker in the middle of the pitch, Arsenal has lacked creativity at times in recent weeks.
Rumors have circulated that Odegaard apparently suffered a setback in his efforts to return to the pitch. These assertions, however, have since been debunked by Sky Sports.
Along with arguably their top two players, Arsenal also saw Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey recently withdraw from international duty this week. Nevertheless, the issues for the duo are not serious concerns. The Gunners will need a fully fit squad this season if they are to finally top Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Manchester City is claiming that the Premier League was "misleading" in the division's response to a recent court case between the two sides. League officials and the reigning English champions both claimed victories on the ruling by an independent panel. The case centered around Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. City publicly focused on the panel's […]
Manchester City is claiming that the Premier League was “misleading” in the division’s response to a recent court case between the two sides. League officials and the reigning English champions both claimed victories on the ruling by an independent panel. The case centered around Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.
City publicly focused on the panel’s ruling that some APT rules were declared unlawful. The Premier League, on the other hand, also mostly praised Monday’s ruling by saying that the court rejected most of the City’s assertions. As a response to the league’s claims, City has sent a scathing letter to other English top-flight clubs.
The letter, which was penned by City’s general counsel Simon Cliff, called out the Premier League for allegedly being deceptive. “Regrettably, the [Premier League’s] summary is misleading and contains several inaccuracies,” wrote Cliff.
“The tribunal has declared the APT rules to be unlawful. MCFC’s position is that this means that all of the APT rules are void. The decision does not contain an ‘endorsement’ of the APT rules, nor does it state that the APT rules, as enacted, were ‘necessary’ to ensure the efficacy of the League’s financial controls.”
Eight English clubs sided with the Premier League in court case
City’s claims regarding the APT rules, however, appear to be incorrect. The Premier League has officially rejected the contents of the letter. A new report by The Telegraph also suggests that a crucial part of the APT laws will remain in place. This reportedly centers around club owners using self-inflated sponsorship agreements to go towards official revenue.
On top of this, the letter sent out to other Premier League teams will mostly fall on deaf ears. It has been revealed that eight English top-flight clubs all provided evidence against City in the recent case.
This list of clubs is highlighted by rivals such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United. The Gunners and Reds are City’s main competitors for the Premier League title this season. United, on the other hand, are crosstown rivals and have historically viewed City as little brothers.
Along with this trio, Bournemouth, Fulham, West Ham, Brentford, and Wolves also sided with the Premier League as well. Six of these eight English clubs currently have some form of American ownership.
Chelsea, Newcastle among trio to fight for Man City
While the Premier League had eight teams in their corner during the case, three English teams also sided with City. Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle all provided information in support of the reigning champions.
Newcastle’s involvement in the case likely comes down to when the Premier League implemented APT laws. The rules were in place directly following Saudi Arabia’s takeover of the Magpies. They blocked a financial loophole that allowed teams to self-inflate revenues so clubs could spend more money on players. Newcastle has spent heavily on transfers since Saudi’s Public Investment Fund entered the fray.
Chelsea has also splashed the cash since the new American owners took over the team in 2022. No other English club has spent more during this timeframe than the Blues. Everton, on the other hand, previously picked up a points deduction for violating the Premier League’s spending laws twice last season.
The aforementioned case is not directly related to City’s other hearing regarding the 115 charges. An official ruling on this specific hearing will not come until early 2025.
Recent reports claiming that RedBird Capital, the owners of AC Milan, were planning to sell a portion of their stake in the club have been denied by the investment firm. Despite ongoing rumors, RedBird remains committed to Milan’s long-term success, while also considering new investment opportunities. The Rossoneri are intent on enhancing their standing on […]
Recent reports claiming that RedBird Capital, the owners of AC Milan, were planning to sell a portion of their stake in the club have been denied by the investment firm. Despite ongoing rumors, RedBird remains committed to Milan’s long-term success, while also considering new investment opportunities. The Rossoneri are intent on enhancing their standing on the Italian and European scene. Especially as they strive for ongoing improvement in all aspects of their game.
On Friday, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica published an article suggesting that RedBird’s founder, Gerry Cardinale, was preparing to sell 22% of his stake in Milan. This sparked widespread speculation about the potential impact on the club’s future. According to the report, Cardinale’s decision was linked to RedBird’s desire to “rebalance its portfolio”. Thus, possibly selling shares worth up to $165 million of their initial $747 million investment.
However, the company’s spokesperson swiftly denied the claims. Speaking to Reuters, the representative clarified, “The reporting by La Repubblica about selling a stake in AC Milan is a complete fabrication. It is wholly untrue”. RedBird acquired the club from Elliott Management in a $1.32 billion buyout in 2022. They now appear focused on the team’s current objectives rather than divesting from it.
Although the initial denial was firm, RedBird did not completely dismiss the idea of future investments or share adjustments. Both La Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato hinted that the owners could still bring in new investors. However, they stressed that any share exchange would not affect the club’s day-to-day management; nor interfere with Milan’s broader strategic vision.
Commitment to Milan’s growth and success
RedBird’s primary objective remains clear: returning AC Milan to the top tier of both Italian and European soccer. After years of rebuilding, the team is once again contending for Serie A titles and competing in the UEFA Champions League. For the current campaign, they have set a minimum target of qualifying for the 2025-26 edition of the Champions League, the report adds.
This focus on consistent top-tier performance aligns with the ambitions that Gerry Cardinale has previously expressed for the club. Cardinale has been open to the idea of exploring new partnerships if they are beneficial to Milan’s progress. However, the firm rejection of this particular rumor emphasizes that any such moves will be carefully considered. Also, they will not jeopardize the club’s competitive goals.
Stadium dilemma: Top priority
While Milan continue to perform on the field, RedBird has another significant challenge to address off the pitch. That’s the future of the San Siro stadium. The club faces a critical decision about whether to pursue a brand-new stadium. Eventually, they could opt for a major redevelopment of their historic home. Interestingly, this stadium conundrum has been a long-standing issue for the Italian giants. The aging San Siro struggles to meet modern soccer standards in terms of capacity, revenue generation, and fan experience.
For RedBird, finding a resolution to the stadium dilemma is the top off-field priority. While no final decision has been made, the club’s owners are keenly aware that a state-of-the-art venue could significantly enhance Milan’s commercial opportunities. Whether through a new stadium or a revamped San Siro, this move could help solidify the club’s financial future and support its sporting ambitions.
Real Madrid is grappling with an escalating injury crisis. Two of their star players, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius, have suffered significant setbacks during the club's recent victory over Villarreal. The La Liga giants secured a 2-0 win. However, devastating injuries that could have long-term implications for the team marred the triumph. Carvajal's injury is particularly […]
Real Madrid is grappling with an escalating injury crisis. Two of their star players, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius, have suffered significant setbacks during the club’s recent victory over Villarreal. The La Liga giants secured a 2-0 win. However, devastating injuries that could have long-term implications for the team marred the triumph. Carvajal‘s injury is particularly severe, with reports confirming that his season is likely over. Meanwhile, Vinicius’ neck injury, although less serious, will see him miss important upcoming fixtures.
Carvajal’s heartbreaking injury
In the final moments of the win over Villarreal, right-back Dani Carvajal collapsed on the pitch. This sent shockwaves through the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. His anguished screams echoed across the field, signaling to everyone that something was terribly wrong. Despite trying to walk off the pitch, the pain was too overwhelming. The Spaniard had to be stretchered off by the medical team. The severity of the injury became clear after a series of medical tests confirmed that Carvajal had suffered a devastating cruciate ligament rupture.
Real Madrid released an official statement detailing his condition, confirming that he had sustained multiple injuries in his right leg. The club stated, “Following tests carried out on our player Dani Carvajal by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament, and a rupture of the popliteus tendon in his right leg. He will undergo surgery in the coming days.”
This diagnosis is a severe blow not only to the defender but also to Madrid’s overall defensive setup. The veteran has been a key figure in the squad. Fellow teammates know him for his leadership on the field and his solid defensive skills. Losing him to such a serious injury puts Real Madrid in a difficult position. Particularly as they gear up for a crucial stretch of the season. While some players recover from ACL injuries in a matter of months, most require an extended rehabilitation period. This only casts doubt on whether the 32-year-old will be able to return before the season ends.
Vinicius and Carvajal injuries add to Madrid woes
As if Carvajal’s injury wasn’t bad enough, Los Blancos also confirmed that their star winger, Vinicius, had suffered a neck injury during the same match. Viewers saw the Brazilian in visible discomfort as he left the field. Further medical evaluations revealed a cervical injury. According to the club’s official statement, “Following tests carried out on Vinicius Junior, the player has been diagnosed with a cervical injury. Doctors will monitor his progress.”
Although his injury is less serious than Carvajal’s, it still raises concerns for the club. The 24-year-old forward is an integral part of the club’s attacking prowess. Manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the situation following the game, stating, “Vinicius Jr is in pain and will undergo tests in the next hours. His neck is blocked. He has suffered a problem and that’s something we need to check with the medical staff.”
His injury comes at a particularly inconvenient time, as he will miss Brazil’s upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Chile and Peru. Brazil has struggled in the qualifiers, with only one win in five matches. Worse still, Vinicius’ absence will further complicate their efforts to turn things around. Real Madrid will be hoping that the forward can recover during the international break and return to full fitness for their next league match against Celta Vigo on October 19.
Manchester United will reportedly reignite interest in Thomas Tuchel if they make a managerial change. Current head coach Erik ten Hag has once again found himself in the hot seat after a slow start to the 2024/25 season. The Red Devils entered the weekend sitting 13th in the Premier League table. This comes after the […]
Manchester United will reportedly reignite interest in Thomas Tuchel if they make a managerial change. Current head coach Erik ten Hag has once again found himself in the hot seat after a slow start to the 2024/25 season.
The Red Devils entered the weekend sitting 13th in the Premier League table. This comes after the club has collected just two league wins in their first six matches.
Ten Hag was seemingly on his way out of United after his freshman season at the helm. The club finished eighth in the final standings in 2023/24, their lowest finish in the English top-flight table since 1990.
Along with domestic issues, the Red Devils also endured their worst-ever showing in the Champions League group stage as well. United ended up bottom of a group that included Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and Copenhagen.
Despite these issues, Ten Hag essentially saved his job by winning the FA Cup final in May. The Dutchman led his team to triumph in the competition by beating rivals and overwhelming favorites, Manchester City.
As a result of the big win, United officials rewarded the Dutchman by exercising the one-year option embedded in his contract. Ten Hag is now under contract at the club until 2026.
United discussed managerial role with Tuchel this summer
While United may have shown faith in Ten Hag, the coach could soon be on his way out. British newspaper i is reporting that Tuchel would immediately become the frontrunner for the position if the Red Devils sack the Dutchman.
The German manager is not exactly a stranger to United brass. In fact, the club reportedly met with Tuchel earlier this summer. i even claims that the two sides eventually broke off negotiations due to multiple disagreements. A major issue for Tuchel, according to the news outlet, came down to exactly how much power he would have at the club.
The coach has historically insisted on holding significant control of his teams in the past. In fact, Tuchel previously parted ways with Chelsea because of the issue despite leading them to the 2020/21 Champions League title. Following his exit, Blues co-owner Todd Boehly claimed that the coach was “a nightmare” to work with.
Along with the need for control, Tuchel also reportedly asked for too much money from United brass. Despite the issues, the news source believes that the Red Devils will likely return for the German in the future.
New United minority owner says managerial decision isn’t up to him
Tuchel, however, is not the only candidate to potentially supplant Ten Hag. Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was brought in to work as an assistant coach ahead of the current campaign. The move was widely seen as a possible safety net for the club should they fire the manager. The fellow Dutchman could be handed the reins on an interim basis.
Along with these two options, former England national team manager Gareth Southgate is also reportedly rated highly by United’s new ownership. The Englishman has previous ties with several team officials, including Ineos sporting director Dave Brailsford and United sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the CEO of Ineos and minority shareholder of United, was recently quizzed on the managerial situation during an interview with BBC Sport. The news outlet directly asked the billionaire if he still has faith in Ten Hag. Ratcliffe responded by saying: “I don’t want to answer that question.”
Ten Hag will attempt to right the ship and save his job by beating Aston Villa on Sunday. A potential loss on the day could very well be the end of the Dutchman’s time at the club. The Athletic even reports that United’s hierarchy will meet following the match to assess the team.
The Premier League has allegedly rejected a special request from Manchester City. The reigning English champions, according to manager Pep Guardiola, asked the division to postpone their start to the 2025/26 campaign. City officials recently approached the league to see if they could push back their first two matches of the campaign. Guardiola's request, which […]
The reigning English champions, according to manager Pep Guardiola, asked the division to postpone their start to the 2025/26 campaign. City officials recently approached the league to see if they could push back their first two matches of the campaign.
Guardiola’s request, which has apparently been denied, centers around the 2025 Club World Cup. City will be one of 32 clubs to feature at the upcoming summer tournament in the United States. They earned a place in the competition by winning the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League.
The controversial expanded Club World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 15th of next summer. This particular date is just three weeks after the final Premier League matchday. It is also 15 days after the next Champions League final, assuming City reach the title game.
Report claims City’s talks with league officials are in the early stages
City, and other teams at the Club World Cup, also will not have much time to recover from the end of the tournament to the start of the 2025/26 season. The competition’s final is set for July 13th. Premier League seasons typically begin in the middle of August. This particular timeframe, according to City, would not give the club suitable time away from the pitch.
"I'm not going to tell them which player has to play."
Pep Guardiola comments on FIFA's Club World Cup regulations as the organisation states that club's will not be able to allow any players to miss the tournament 😬❌ pic.twitter.com/7W7PvFwxZQ
Guardiola confirmed the Premier League’s stance on the issue during a press conference on Friday. “The Premier League has not allowed us to postpone the first two games for our recovery,” said Guardiola. “Thank you so much.”
“I think the club asked the league to postpone one or two or three weeks so we can have a holiday after the [Club] World Cup but it is absolutely not allowed. The Premier League say yes to us? No. Absolutely not.”
Despite the coach’s comments, BBC Sport reports that there has been no formal request by City. Instead, the news outlet claims that only initial informal discussions have taken place so far on the issue between the two sides.
FIFA wants Club World Cup teams to use their strongest squads
Along with creating a potential scheduling nightmare for clubs, FIFA has also insisted that teams featuring at the Club World Cup must field their strongest possible rosters during the tournament. Guardiola, however, has questioned the assertion by the governing body.
“What are the strongest players? Which ones? If FIFA would tell me, for them, which players are stronger than the other ones,” claimed the City coach. “I don’t understand that.”
“Maybe the strongest player for them is in a really bad condition for many reasons: personal, professional, niggles, injuries. And we are going to play other ones. I’m not going to say before the game which player to play. I will decide, that’s for sure.”
FIFA has been under fire regarding the Club World Cup since they opted to drastically alter the competition. The annual tournament has typically featured just seven clubs and only lasted about ten days in recent years. FIFA’s decision to expand the competition has even resulted in a potential lawsuit with FIFPro, the global soccer players union.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has claimed that his team cannot compete with Arsenal and Manchester City just yet. The Italian coach is off to a fairly solid start with the Blues so far this season. The West London side currently sits fourth in the Premier League table, just a point behind the two title […]
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has claimed that his team cannot compete with Arsenal and Manchester City just yet. The Italian coach is off to a fairly solid start with the Blues so far this season. The West London side currently sits fourth in the Premier League table, just a point behind the two title favorites.
Maresca, however, was given a tough first task with his new club. In his first English top-flight fixture, the coach led Chelsea against City. Despite the match being played at Stamford Bridge, the reigning English champions topped their opponents by a score of 2-0 on the day. The Blues ultimately could not capitalize on their scoring chances in the match.
Despite starting the 2024/25 campaign with a big defeat, Maresca has not lost a Premier League game since. Chelsea has also recorded some lopsided victories since the opening fixture as well. This includes a 6-2 win over Wolves, a 3-0 triumph at West Ham, and most recently, a 4-2 victory against Brighton.
Maresca claims Chelsea needs time to get to level of Arsenal, Man City
While there have been positive signs at Chelsea with Maresca at the helm, the coach wants to limit expectations for the season. “I really don’t think we can compete with City or Arsenal,” Maresca told reporters after a Conference League win against Gent on Thursday.
The Blues boss backed up his statement by pointing to stability at both of the rival clubs. City manager Pep Guardiola and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta are two of the longest-tenured coaches in the entire Premier League. Maresca, on the other hand, has only been with Chelsea for a few months.
“I really think that because we are not ready,” continued Maresca. “The reason is that City has worked with the same manager for nine years and Arsenal for five years. If you want to compete for big things, you need that time.”
“After Arsenal beat PSG they asked Luis Enrique and he said the same thing that Arsenal have had the same manager for five years and them only a year and a half.”
“Imagine us, only three months… so it’s a huge difference. So, I am really convinced we cannot compete with those clubs.”
Chelsea faces massive Premier League test in coming weeks
Maresca’s comments are likely a way to help keep mounting pressure off of his players. Chelsea officials have outspent every other Premier League club, including City and Arsenal, in the transfer market in recent years. For instance, the Blues have shelled out well over $1.5 billion on new players over the last five windows.
Because of this massive spending, Chelsea should be targeting Premier League and European titles. This, however, has not yet been the case since the new ownership took over. The Blues have finished 12th and sixth in the final standings in each of the last two campaigns.
Nevertheless, Chelsea could very well finally turn the corner this season. A lot more will be known about the club, however, in the coming weeks. The Blues face a tough test in league play following the next international break. After hosting Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Chelsea is scheduled to face Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Arsenal in consecutive weeks.
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz will likely be one of the marquee transfer targets next summer. After all, the attacking midfielder is generally regarded as one of the top players in his position in all of Europe. This is even though the Germany international only just turned 21 back in May. Wirtz was an essential […]
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz will likely be one of the marquee transfer targets next summer. After all, the attacking midfielder is generally regarded as one of the top players in his position in all of Europe. This is even though the Germany international only just turned 21 back in May.
Wirtz was an essential piece to Leverkusen’s shock triumph in the Bundesliga last season. With the playmaker pulling the strings, the club went undefeated for the entire 2023/24 campaign to collect their first-ever top-flight title.
Following the team’s success, many assumed that key Leverkusen stars would defect this past summer. This, however, was not the case. Wirtz, along with manager Xabi Alonso, resisted moves and remained with the team.
While the budding star midfielder opted to stay this season, he may very well make a switch in 2025. A final decision by Wirtz will come down to several factors. This includes how Leverkusen fares this season, as well as his contract situation and potential suitors next summer. The German club has an advantage at the moment because Wirtz is under contract until 2027. This means that Leverkusen officials can hold firm on their asking price for the star.
Former Bayern exec predicts Wirtz, Alonso will join Real Madrid
Bild has recently claimed that Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester City are all showing legitimate interest in Wirtz. Barcelona is also apparently eyeing the playmaker as well. Nevertheless, the German news outlet reports that the Spanish giants are likely priced out of a potential deal with Leverkusen.
The reigning Bundesliga champions have supposedly slapped a massive $165 million asking fee on Wirtz. If Leverkusen were to receive an offer in this region, it would be the third-highest soccer transfer fee of all time. Paris Saint-Germain currently has the top two priciest deals in history after previously purchasing Neymar ($240 million) and Kylian Mbappe ($195 million).
While several teams are in the running for Wirtz, Real Madrid and Manchester City appear to be the frontrunners at the moment. Former Bayern sporting director Michael Reschke even recently claimed that the player is already leaning towards joining the Spanish club. The move, according to the former exec, will coincide with a managerial change.
“It is clear that Wirtz is thinking of signing for Real Madrid,” Reschke said during an appearance on Sky Germany. “I think Carlo Ancelotti will be replaced by a Spaniard who currently works in the Bundesliga (Xabi Alonso) and then it is very possible that he will take his favorite player. I have the feeling that everything could fall into place.”
City may hold advantage over Arsenal in pursuit of Wirtz
Just last week, Bild also claimed that Arsenal was willing to go all out to make Wirtz their record signing in 2025. The North London side has reportedly tracked the midfielder since he was a teen prospect at Koln. Despite this, the Gunners have spent heavily in recent years and would likely need a major sale to facilitate such a big deal.
Manchester City, on the other hand, would seemingly have more funds to pay for Wirtz. Arsenal’s biggest English rivals have recorded a positive net spend in two of the last three seasons. Savinho was also the club’s sole senior summer deal that involved a transfer fee. In total, City posted a $127 million net gain in the recent transfer window.
Along with potentially being able to flex their financial muscles, City may also have to replace Kevin De Bruyne. The fellow superstar midfielder is currently in his last year under contract at the club. As a result, he could soon join a foreign team next summer. Wirtz would seemingly be the perfect replacement for the Belgian.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has defended his decision to leave Cole Palmer off of his Conference League squad. The Blues boss shocked many by previously not selecting his best player for the competition. Mareca also left Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana off of the list, but the moves were limiting the duo's minutes. The […]
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has defended his decision to leave Cole Palmer off of his Conference League squad. The Blues boss shocked many by previously not selecting his best player for the competition.
Mareca also left Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana off of the list, but the moves were limiting the duo’s minutes. The midfielder and defender both missed significant time last season due to fairly serious injuries. Lavia’s hamstring issue even continued on to affect his playing time in recent weeks as well.
Palmer, however, has been relatively injury-free since the beginning of 2022. The young playmaker has also been the team’s star player since he joined last summer from Manchester City.
In fact, no other Premier League player, not even Erling Haaland, had more direct goal involvements than Palmer last season. The England international racked up 33 combined goals and assists in as many English top-flight games in the campaign.
Maresca ‘protecting’ Palmer by leaving him off of Conference League squad
Palmer’s immense contribution to Chelsea has led some to question whether or not the club is too reliant on the lone star. Maresca was asked specifically about this in a press conference on Wednesday. The coach denied the claims and also asserted that he has to protect Palmer by not forcing him to play Conference League games.
“No. It is not about reliance,” stated Maresca. “We played some games without Cole, but sure, and for us, Cole is something extra that you need. We also need to think a bit to protect some players. They need that. There is a reason behind it, and I think Cole needs to be protected.”
The coach’s comments could be a slight dig at the Conference League. After all, the tournament is the third-tiered European competition, and UEFA only created the tournament in 2021. The Conference League generally features clubs from lower-ranked top-flight leagues in the continent.
Because of this, Chelsea is undoubtedly the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament this season. The Blues are currently the only team in the competition to have winning odds under +500 at the moment. Fiorentina and Real Betis are Chelsea’s most significant opponents in the tournament.
Palmer decision frees up much needed minutes for other players
Along with protecting Palmer, Maresca can use the Conference League as a way to give players ample minutes. The Blues notoriously have a bloated roster and face a tough task of keeping players happy. Chelsea’s senior squad is currently at 29 players. On top of this, Reece James is the only officially injured player at the moment.
For reference, Arsenal and Liverpool both have 23 senior players in their squads. Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, on the other hand, have 24 players.
Maresca also discussed keeping all of his players happy on Wednesday as well. “We try to share minutes with all of them,” replied the coach. “At this moment, probably, it looks like we have players that are playing in the Premier League and players playing in the cups: Conference, Carabao, or FA Cup.
“It’s not like this. In general, it won’t be like this. We try to give them the opportunity.”
Manchester United officials have a fairly massive dilemma on their hands at the moment as candidates line up to replace manager Erik ten Hag. After enduring one of their worst Premier League campaigns last year, the club has once again started slowly this season. The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the English top-flight standings […]
Manchester United officials have a fairly massive dilemma on their hands at the moment as candidates line up to replace manager Erik ten Hag. After enduring one of their worst Premier League campaigns last year, the club has once again started slowly this season. The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the English top-flight standings following a recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Because of the team’s slow start, many are suggesting Ten Hag could soon get fired. After all, the Spurs loss in front of the home crowd was not a minor blip of the season. Instead, United has dropped three of their first six Premier League matches so far.
United previously shocked many in the soccer world by rewarding Ten Hag with a contract extension this summer. This came after the club’s awful 2023/24 campaign but also following the manager’s FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City. The trophy undoubtedly saved Ten Hag’s job. Nevertheless, most pundits believed the club should have made a managerial change regardless of the big win.
United is willing to give manager more time due to contract extension
Despite the team’s ongoing struggles, Ten Hag is reportedly safe from getting fired at the moment. This is likely directly due to United’s decision to give the manager a new deal. Because of the contract, the Red Devils would supposedly have to pay Ten Hag around $23 million in a severance package.
However, team brass could soon change their stance on the issue if United continues to struggle. Ten Hag may find it difficult to make it beyond October due to their upcoming fixture list. United next faces FC Porto in the Europa League before playing Aston Villa and Brentford back in the Premier League.
Along with these three tricky matchups, the Red Devils then also travel to Turkey to face former manager Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce. United ends the month with a match against West Ham and then a Carabao Cup fixture with Leicester.
Assuming United’s woes continue, several coaches are already being linked with the club. One possible option could very well come from within. Team brass brought in former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy this summer to work as an assistant under Ten Hag.
The decision was seen as a potential safety net for the club should they fire the manager. The former PSV boss could take over the team, at least on an interim basis. Van Nistelrooy is familiar with the players and likely has a solid understanding of the team. This would seemingly give him an advantage if United were to make a midseason change.
Three coaches top candidates to replace Ten Hag at United
Nevertheless, there are also plenty of other options for United as well. Thomas Tuchel could potentially become the frontrunner at the helm shortly. After all, the team’s new ownership reportedly met with the German coach earlier this summer. This was, of course, before they eventually opted to give Ten Hag a new deal.
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has also been identified as a potential replacement as well. The Italian coach lifted the 2023/24 Serie A title with the Nerazzurri. He also guided the club to consecutive Coppa Italia trophies in recent years as well.
United brass may also opt to go with an Englishman for the position as well. Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate would be in the running if team executives go this route. Potter even discussed links with the Red Devils during a recent appearance on Sky Sports. The former Brighton coach also worked with current United sporting director Dan Ashworth while with the Seagulls.
Southgate may be the most underwhelming choice by United. The former England manager was regularly ridiculed by Three Lions fans for being too safe and implementing boring tactics during his time with the national team. Nevertheless, United’s new ownership is fond of Southgate.
Manchester City defender John Stones has proclaimed that he is ready to fill the void in midfield left by the injured Rodri. The Spain international was recently forced off of the pitch during a contentious matchup with Arsenal. City officials then took their time to reveal the extent of the setback. Nevertheless, manager Pep Guardiola […]
Manchester City defender John Stones has proclaimed that he is ready to fill the void in midfield left by the injured Rodri. The Spain international was recently forced off of the pitch during a contentious matchup with Arsenal. City officials then took their time to reveal the extent of the setback.
Nevertheless, manager Pep Guardiola informed the press on Friday that Rodri suffered a serious ACL injury. As a result, the superstar midfielder will miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season. Rodri only managed to feature in three total matches during the current campaign before the injury.
Rodri is undoubtedly one of the most important players in the entire City team. Erling Haaland rightly gets most of the praise, but the Spaniard is arguably just as crucial to the team’s success. For instance, City has not lost a Premier League match in which Rodri has started since February 2023. On the other side, all three of the club’s English top-flight losses last season came when the midfielder was out with suspension.
Stones has recent experience stepping into midfield
Guardiola opted for a midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis in his team’s first Premier League game without Rodri. City ended up drawing with Newcastle on the day. Despite this, Stones was recently asked by reporters if he could help replace the injured superstar in the midfield. “Yeah, if called upon, 100%,” replied the England international.
Although a typical defender, Stones has previously stepped into midfield at times under Guardiola. This was the case in two of last season’s Premier League losses while Rodri was suspended. The manager, however, also opted to select both Stones and Rodri together in the middle of the pitch several other times as well.
“I love it – it’s a different [way of looking] on the game,” Stones said about playing in midfield. “[I have] appreciation for players who have played there, understanding the game, learning from a defender’s point of view, when to receive and pass the ball.”
“I always enjoy it and try every time I go in there. The manager puts us there for a reason, and it’s about going out there and doing a job. It happened a lot over the last two years – me going into midfield. In the [2023] Champions League final, I was a bit higher up [the field] – that was new for me. Something I enjoyed.”
If he excels in the role, Stones would save City serious cash
Immediately following the unfortunate news regarding Rodri, Guardiola answered questions about replacing the star. The manager asserted that losing the fellow Spaniard is a massive hole to fill. He also claimed that the club will wait and see what to do in the January transfer market.
For now, Guardiola will go with a combination of Stones, Kovacic, Lewis, and possibly Matheus Nunes in the roles. This means that the quartet will get a chance to impress for the time being. With Stones currently behind Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol in central defense, his best option for playing time could come in midfield.
A stellar display from Stones in the middle of the pitch could end up saving City some serious money. Following the Rodri injury, the club expressed interest in multiple midfielders. This list includes pricey players such as Martin Zubimendi, Nicolo Barella, and Atalanta star Ederson. All three of these players would likely cost any club over $60 million.
Reports from Italy claim that independent organizations may soon take control of Inter Milan and AC Milan. The alarming issue comes down to possible influences at the clubs from alleged mafia members. Local police arrested nearly two dozen people on Monday in connection with organized crime. La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that several of those […]
Reports from Italy claim that independent organizations may soon take control of Inter Milan and AC Milan. The alarming issue comes down to possible influences at the clubs from alleged mafia members. Local police arrested nearly two dozen people on Monday in connection with organized crime. La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that several of those detained were official ultra members of Inter and Milan.
The investigation reportedly stemmed from the murder of a top figure in Inter’s Curva Nord. According to the aforementioned report, another member of the club’s ultras committed the murder.
Along with the alleged murder, those recently arrested also apparently carried out other mafia-related crimes around the San Siro. The historic soccer stadium is currently the home of both Inter and Milan. Police say that the perpetrators committed extortion of ticket and drink sales, among other offenses.
A majority of those recently arrested allegedly have ties to Mafia members in the Calabria region of the country. Situated in southern Italy, Calabria is about 680 miles away from Milan.
Arrested ultra members allegedly met with players on both teams
Following the arrests, local police have reported that ultras from Inter and Milan were essentially working together on the scheme. “There was a non-belligerence pact between the [Milan and Inter] ultras to maximize profit,” stated Milan prosecutor Marcello Viola.
“Activities were conducted only to gain an economic advantage. The interest in the clubs was only a facade. Inter and Milan are only damaged subjects.”
Viola went on to claim that Inter officials, in particular, did not manage relationships with their ultras very well. Because of this, the fan groups, allegedly influenced by the Mafia, were able to make massive profits on ticket resales.
Due to the issue, authorities are now asking Inter and Milan to clarify their actual relationship with the ultras. This is particularly the case with the members apprehended on Monday.
Recent reports claim that several recently arrested ultras had a significant influence on the two teams. One member reportedly pressured Inter manager Simone Inzaghi for more tickets to the 2023 Champions League final against Manchester City. Similar ultras also personally met with Milan Skriniar just weeks later. The center-back opted to leave the Serie A side to join PSG that summer.
On AC Milan’s side, the report alleges that captain Davide Calabria previously met with a prominent ultra member as well. Authorities arrested this particular ultra in the sting.
Clubs have to prove that they have cut ties with Mafia-linked ultras
According to the aforementioned report, Milan authorities are now investigating the two local clubs. Both Inter and Milan need to show proof that they do now not have ties to the ultras in question. Not all ultras, however, have connections to Italian Mafia organizations. Instead, local police are only concerned with certain members of the groups.
If the two Italian teams cannot prove that they have cut ties with the alleged Mafia members, authorities could opt to place the clubs under external control. The independent organizations would temporarily be in place until the issue’s resolution. According to the report, the Italian Football Federation asked for police assistance in the matter.
Both Serie A clubs under the ownership of American conglomerates. Financial firm Oaktree Capital Management purchased Inter back in May. RedBird Capital Partners, on the other hand, acquired a majority stake in Milan two years prior.
Tensions between Arsenal and Manchester City are still high nearly a week after their recent matchup, with Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola taking shots at each other. The two teams played out to a feisty 2-2 draw last weekend in Manchester. The Gunners earned a point on the day against the reigning English champions despite […]
Tensions between Arsenal and Manchester City are still high nearly a week after their recent matchup, with Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola taking shots at each other.
The two teams played out to a feisty 2-2 draw last weekend in Manchester. The Gunners earned a point on the day against the reigning English champions despite playing half the match down a player.
Leandro Trossard was controversially sent off ahead of halftime for delaying the restart when City had possession.
Following the game, several City players and media members criticized Arsenal’s tactics in the second half of the fixture. This was at a time in which the Gunners were playing with just ten men.
While the situation could have been over then, both managers fired shots at their opposing teams during the week. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his tactics to grab a point in Manchester and even claimed that City deploys similar strategies at times.
The Spaniard previously worked as an assistant under Pep Guardiola at City from 2016 to 2019.
“I’ve been there [at City] before,” Arteta stated when questioned about the issue during a press conference. “I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know.”
Guardiola asks former assistant coach for clarity on remarks
It is safe to say that the remark did not exactly go down well with Guardiola. The City boss was asked about Arteta’s comments in his own press conference later in the week.
“Next time, Mikel has to be more clear,” replied Guardiola.
“He has to be clear next time about exactly what he means that he was here for four years and he knows exactly what happened here.”
🔴⚪️ Arteta when asked about the rivalry with Man City and Pep Guardiola: "I prefer this reaction much more than someone clapping my back after the game and saying: Well done, you guys are in the right direction".
“Next time, he has to say [it more] clearly. Instead of having clouds there, [he needs] to be more precise.”
Arteta, however, also told reporters ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Leicester City that he still looks up to his former boss.
“I love [Guardiola]. I respect him and admire him, and I admire his team and everything he does,” said the Arsenal coach when asked about his relationship with Guardiola.
“One thing is our professional, another is my personal relationships. If that has to be damaged because we play against each other, then I wouldn’t talk to him any more! That’s not a relationship I consider both of us have. Sport will never get in my way for a personal relationship, for sure.”
The rivalry between the two teams is good for the Premier League
Although the criticism regarding Arteta’s tactics in the recent match was overblown, the rivalry between the two teams should be welcomed by the Premier League. City has dominated the English top flight in recent years. In fact, Guardiola’s side has collected the last four titles in the division.
City has even won six of the last seven Premier League trophies. Liverpool earned a rare championship in the division in 2020. The Reds were previously seen as the top rivals to City for a few years surrounding their triumph. While they could very well contend for the title this season, Arsenal appear to be City’s biggest threat at the moment.
Because of City’s recent dominance, the Premier League has become quite predictable. Nevertheless, Arsenal’s recent rise has made the division a bit more competitive. Add in bad blood between the two teams and the situation could be exactly what the Premier League needs at the moment.
Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo claims that the broadcasting figures for recent Italian games are boosted by the presence of parity in the league. "The excellent television ratings of last weekend reflect the great interest in our league, where at the start of this season, there is a balance in the standings that allows […]
Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo claims that the broadcasting figures for recent Italian games are boosted by the presence of parity in the league.
“The excellent television ratings of last weekend reflect the great interest in our league, where at the start of this season, there is a balance in the standings that allows all fans to dream,” said De Siervo.
“If I look at the Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga, the usual names are already in the lead, who have been winning the title for years. Here [in Italy], three teams are leading the standings that were not in the top eight last season.
“This is the strength of Serie A compared to the others, we are the most tactical and hard-fought tournament of all and the public appreciates this uncertainty of results, filling the stadiums and following the matches on TV.”
Manchester City, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich all lead these particular other leagues. Pep Guardiola’s team has dominated the English top flight in recent years by winning four consecutive titles.
Bayern also previously collected 11 straight German championships before losing out to Bayer Leverkusen last season. Barca, on the other hand, has finished either first or second in LaLiga every season but once since 2008.
Juve’s previous decline has helped increase interest in Serie A
While other top European leagues have been ruled by the same clubs in recent years, Serie A has been different. For instance, four different Italian teams have collected the Scudetto in the last five years.
Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli have all won a Serie A trophy since 2020. Inter has been the only club to triumph in the Italian league twice during this timeframe. Underdogs Torino also currently leads the table in the early stages of the 2024/25 campaign.
Parity in Italy, however, was not always in place in recent memory. Juve previously dominated Serie A between 2011 and 2020. In fact, the Old Lady collected every Italian top-flight title in this stretch. Nevertheless, Juve’s subsequent decline has undoubtedly boosted interest in the league. This is particularly the case with foreign fans.
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Serie A experiencing a boost in TV viewing viewership
Serie A broadcasters are experiencing a boost in television ratings so far this season. Inside the country, DAZN and Sky Italia both share broadcasting duties for the Italian top flight. DAZN handles a majority of the matches, but Sky also has the opportunity to air three Serie A games each week.
Recently released figures claim that DAZN reached nearly six million viewers across the 10 matches last weekend. Two million of these users watched Inter Milan face rivals AC Milan on Sunday. American star Christian Pulisic led AC Milan to a 2-1 victory on the night.
Round five of the 2024/25 Serie A season was also highlighted by an intense matchup between Juventus and Napoli. The much-anticipated game, however, ultimately ended in a scoreless stalemate. Nevertheless, both popular clubs are currently in the top four of the standings.
Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo has applauded the recent ratings. “The overall figure of over seven million viewers on DAZN and Sky for the fifth round is in line with the best results of the past seasons,” proclaimed the exec.
On Thursday, Premier League club owners met in London for their first meeting of the 2024/25 season. The clubs discussed several issues regarding the league’s rules. However, one issue that the owners dropped from the agenda became the most important story of this meeting. The clubs were set to vote on an amendment to the […]
On Thursday, Premier League club owners met in London for their first meeting of the 2024/25 season. The clubs discussed several issues regarding the league’s rules. However, one issue that the owners dropped from the agenda became the most important story of this meeting. The clubs were set to vote on an amendment to the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules resulting from a lawsuit from Man City.
APTs are commercial deals involving a club and companies they have close ties to. The amendment would’ve changed who has access to an internal database league regulators use to assess the “fair market value” of APTs. After feedback from multiple clubs, the proposed vote was canceled.
Manchester City sued the Premier League in June 2024 over the APT rules. Many people are now saying that this could be a sign that Man City has won their lawsuit against the Premier League about its APT rules. Or does it?
Have Man City Won Their Case Against the Premier League?
As compelling as the arguments are, the canceled vote could just as easily mean nothing.
Multiple Premier League clubs reportedly had feedback about the proposed APT amendment. The Premier League clubs could’ve assessed the feedback and determined that now was not the right time to propose the specific amendment they had planned to vote on.
Ultimately, no one knows why the owners decided against voting on the APT rule amendment. Anyone claiming a massive victory for Man City now could be right. People saying the canceled APT amendment means nothing are just as likely to be right though.
We should all wait until an official ruling is announced before jumping to conclusions about this case.
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Following Saudi Arabia’s takeover of Newcastle in 2021, Premier League clubs voted to ban APTs above fair market value. According to the Premier League Handbook, this is to maintain the “effectiveness of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules, by ensuring the veracity of the costs and revenues reported by Clubs.”
The Premier League didn’t want a situation where other companies owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) were giving billion-dollar sponsorships to Newcastle to circumvent Profitability and Sustainability Rules. It wasn’t just Newcastle and PIF companies though. The rule also served to curb Manchester City’s inflated sponsorships from companies owned by Sheikh Mansour associates in the United Arab Emirates.
Newcastle accepted these rule changes, but Manchester City did not. The club’s Abu Dhabi-based ownership group filed a lawsuit against the Premier League in June 2024. They argued the league’s APT rules discriminated against Gulf-owned clubs.
The 165-page document also contained the infamous phrase “tyranny of the majority,” where Manchester City argued the rest of the Premier League clubs were out to get them due to how successful they have been since Mansour bought the club.
This lawsuit is unrelated to the Premier League’s case against Manchester City for their alleged 115 breaches of the league’s financial rules. That case has just gone to an independent tribunal. Arbitrators heard Manchester City’s APT case against the Premier League last June. The outcome of the APT case will not have an impact on the 115 Charges tribunal.
What’s changed?
Despite the reports from Thursday about Manchester City “appearing to win” their APT case against the Premier League, there have been no updates on the case since the hearing in the summer.
So, why do people think the Cityzens are set to score a victory against the Premier League? It all goes back to the amendment that Premier League clubs decided not to vote on this Thursday.
Some outlets say their sources have told them that the Premier League deciding not to vote on the APT amendment could be a sign that Manchester City has won the case. Other outlets have admitted that they are just guessing what the canceled vote means.
The canceled amendment could mean that Manchester City scored a massive win. If this were to happen, the Premier League would have to completely scrap or rewrite its APT rules. In that situation, voting on a minor amendment to the database element of the APT rules wouldn’t make much sense.
It also wouldn’t make sense if Manchester City secured only a partial win in the case. For example, the arbitrators could’ve agreed with the Premier League about the majority of its APT rules. The arbitrators could also have taken issue with how the database works and ordered it to be reworked. If this happened, voting on amending the database procedures would be pointless until the Premier League completes a total rewrite of the database elements of its APT rules.
Something like this where both sides win on certain issues is pretty likely to happen. Private tribunals are collaborative. One side rarely gets everything they want in high-profile arbitration cases.
Inter Milan has officially released positive news regarding the club's finances. The Serie A side posted revenues of $527 million for the 2023/24 financial year. This is an increase of about $53 million compared to the previous term. Rising revenues were also mixed with a significant decrease in overall debt. Inter's debt fell during this […]
Inter Milan has officially released positive news regarding the club’s finances. The Serie A side posted revenues of $527 million for the 2023/24 financial year. This is an increase of about $53 million compared to the previous term. Rising revenues were also mixed with a significant decrease in overall debt. Inter’s debt fell during this period from around $96 million to $56 million.
According to a statement released by the club, the good financial news was influenced by Inter’s on-field performance last season. Led by manager Simone Inzaghi, I Nerazzurri easily controlled the Italian top flight throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
Inter not only collected their twentieth Serie A title, but they dominated the division. They eventually led the final table over their rivals AC Milan by 19 points. As a result, Inter began the current campaign with a second star above their badge. Only Juventus has more Serie A titles (36), than Inter.
American firm guides Inter Milan to record revenue
While 2023/24 ended up being a stellar year for Inter, it was not exactly an easy road to success. Chinese firm Suning Holdings Group previously purchased a majority stake in the club back in 2016. With the group at the helm, Inter experienced moderate success. This included collecting the 2020/21 Serie A title and two Coppa Italia trophies.
Nevertheless, Suning, like many other companies, endured financial strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, the firm borrowed over $400 million from American firm Oaktree Capital Management. The U.S. company reportedly charged Suning 12% interest for the loan.
Suning, however, eventually defaulted on this loan in May of 2024. As a result, Oaktree became the new controlling owner of Inter at the time due to the terms of the deal. The takeover happened to occur just days before the 2023/24 officially ended. Oaktree now owns a massive 99.6% stake in the Italian club.
Oaktree injected additional $52 million into Inter this summer
Immediately following the triumphant campaign, the American firm provided Inter with $52 million in additional funding. A vast majority of this money was a direct cash injection. The remaining money was created using shareholder loans.
Under new ownership, Inter recorded a net spend of $63 million during the summer transfer market. Star Italy international midfielder Davide Frattesi was the club’s marquee signing after he joined from Sassuolo for around $32 million. The new ownership brought in Josep Martinez, Carlos Augusto, and Marko Arnautovic as well. However, Inter also signed two key players, Piotr Zielinski and Mehdi Taremi, as free agents.
Inter officials directly referenced their positive summer moves in the aforementioned statement regarding the future of the club. Not only is Oaktree happy with their recruitment, but they also pointed to added value in recent sponsorship deals.
This includes a club-record jersey partnership with Betsson Sport. It is Inter’s fourth different front-of-shirt sponsor in as many seasons. Oaktree also brought in cryptocurrency exchange platform Gate.io as a new sleeve sponsor as well.
So far this season, Inter has experienced a bit of a mixed bag of results. They currently sit sixth in the Serie A standings after a recent loss to AC Milan. Inter also managed to grab a draw on their travels against mighty Manchester City in Champions League play.
The fourth round draw of the 2024/25 Carabao Cup was held on Wednesday, following a pair of matches. Arsenal and Liverpool both booked a place in the next round of the competition on the night. The Gunners took care of League One side Bolton, while Liverpool beat fellow Premier League club West Ham. Both victorious […]
The fourth round draw of the 2024/25 Carabao Cup was held on Wednesday, following a pair of matches. Arsenal and Liverpool both booked a place in the next round of the competition on the night. The Gunners took care of League One side Bolton, while Liverpool beat fellow Premier League club West Ham. Both victorious teams recorded impressive winning scores of 5-1.
Tournament organizers previously introduced a new controversial seeding system in the Carabao Cup. The move kept Champions League and Europa League clubs from facing off in the third round of the tournament. The decision was designed as a way to ease fixture congestion of these big clubs.
Nevertheless, this seeding system was not in place during the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw. As a result, the marquee matchup of the draw is undoubtedly Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur. The North London club will host the reigning Premier League champions in the round.
City manager Pep Guardiola recently made headlines by claiming that he will not “waste energy” on the Carabao Cup. The comments came as the English champions are dealing with injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri. City also have a packed fixture list throughout the 2024/25 season as well.
Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou, however, also opted to rotate his team for their third-round win over Coventry. Regular starters such as Son Heung-Min, James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Mickey van de Ven, and Guglielmo Vicario were all not named in the manager’s starting XI on the night.
Several top Premier League teams to face off in the tournament
The matchup between the two Premier League heavyweights is not the only big fixture of the draw. Current Carabao Cup holders Liverpool will also travel to face Brighton. The Seagulls are currently just one of four English top-flight teams to be undefeated in league play this season.
Chelsea could play Newcastle in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup as well. The Magpies, however, first have to play their third-round fixture against Wimbledon. The matchup from the previous round was forced to be postponed due to flooding issues at the League Two side’s stadium. Newcastle will now host Wimbledon on October 1st, with the winner to play Chelsea.
Lower-level clubs face tough Carabao Cup draws
Including Newcastle, 13 of the 17 teams remaining in the Carabao Cup are from the Premier League. Wimbledon is now the lowest-ranked team to still be alive in the competition. No other club in the knockout tournament is currently outside of the Championship. Three second-tiered teams, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, and Preston North End, are hoping to be a Cinderella story in the competition.
Preston, however, has the toughest matchup of the trio of Championship clubs. The struggling side will host Arsenal in the fourth round of the tournament. Wednesday also must travel to face Brentford as well.
This could leave Stoke as the most likely candidate to shock a Premier League team in the Carabao Cup. The Potters are enduring a tough campaign so far but will play Southampton in the fourth round of the tournament. The Saints have yet to win a top-flight game so far this season.
Official dates of the Carabao Cup fourth round are not yet set. Nevertheless, matchups will be played at some point during the week of Oct. 28.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed that the club will not "waste energy" on the Carabao Cup. Instead, the Spanish boss is set to focus on bigger competitions, such as the Premier League and Champions League. The coach's comments came following City's narrow Carabao Cup win against Watford on Tuesday. The reigning English champions […]
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed that the club will not “waste energy” on the Carabao Cup. Instead, the Spanish boss is set to focus on bigger competitions, such as the Premier League and Champions League. The coach’s comments came following City’s narrow Carabao Cup win against Watford on Tuesday.
The reigning English champions jumped out to an early lead on the night thanks to goals from first-team regulars Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes. Watford thought they got back into the game through a wonderful strike from Kwadwo Baah in the 21st minute. Nevertheless, the goal was disallowed due to an apparent foul by the forward. Replays, however, showed that the challenge from Baah was shoulder to shoulder.
City was forced to play the match less than 50 hours after the grueling game against Arsenal. As a result, only Doku and Kyle Walker retained their place in the starting XI on Tuesday. Highly rated youngsters James McAtee, Nico O’Reilly, and 16-year-old defender Kaden Braithwaite were included in Guardiola’s lineup.
Guardiola has lifted Carabao Cup four times with City
The victory against the Championship side puts City into the fourth round of the competition. Although the exact date of their next Carabao Cup game is not yet known, the fourth round is scheduled for either October 29th or 30th. This would be sandwiched between two Premier League matches. City hosts Southampton on October 26th and then travels to Bournemouth on November 2nd.
As the fixture list begins to pile up, Guardiola has already warned fans that he will pick reserves in the next Carabao Cup matchup. “The next round, I announce you, I play the second team,” stated Guardiola. “We are not going to waste energy, for sure.”
“The schedule is the schedule. We cannot handle it anyway. Today for [James] McAtee, Matheus [Nunes], Jack [Grealish], Phil [Foden], who didn’t play, the young lad, 16 years old, it’s perfect. That’s why it’s a good competition. Otherwise, we wouldn’t win four in a row.”
Guardiola, however, insisted that he still wants to win the Carabao Cup, despite his comments. “We play to go through,” continued the coach. “We never throw a competition. Never. But we played 50 hours ago. I’m not going to [take] a risk with the Premier League and the Champions League in this competition.”
The Spanish manager has previously taken the Carabao Cup very seriously. No other coach has collected more trophies in the competition than Guardiola. City lifted four consecutive Carabao Cup titles from 2018 to 2021.
Star City midfielder recently suffered significant knee injury
Guardiola’s remarks come as superstar midfielder Rodri suffered a serious knee injury against Arsenal. City officials confirmed on Wednesday that the Spaniard endured ligament damage to his right knee.
The club, however, opted not to reveal how long Rodri will be on the sidelines. Recent reports have suggested that the star could miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season. Fellow midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is also nursing an injury.
Just days before the injury, Rodri claimed that players could go on strike to combat fixture congestion. Soccer’s governing bodies have received heat for expanding several competitions in recent months. Top international players featuring for big clubs could soon play up to 85 total matches within a year.
Guardiola is far from the only coach to shift focus away from the Carabao Cup. The tournament launched in 1960 as a secondary knockout competition to the FA Cup. Many managers from big clubs regularly play a mix of backup players and youngsters in the tournament. It is typically a way to give certain players more time on the pitch.
Raphael Varane has officially announced his retirement as a player. The legendary defender joined Italian side Como this summer after leaving Manchester United as a free agent. Despite various offers, Varane opted to sign a two-year deal with the Serie A newcomers. The center-back, however, never actually featured in the Italian top flight. Instead, the […]
Raphael Varane has officially announced his retirement as a player. The legendary defender joined Italian side Como this summer after leaving Manchester United as a free agent. Despite various offers, Varane opted to sign a two-year deal with the Serie A newcomers.
The center-back, however, never actually featured in the Italian top flight. Instead, the Frenchman unfortunately suffered a significant knee injury in his debut with Como during a Coppa Italia match. Varane managed to play only 23 minutes before suffering the setback.
The injury was supposed to keep the former France international out of action until at least the beginning of 2025. As a result, Como removed Varane from the team’s official Serie A squad list for the 2024/25 season. Nevertheless, the star has instead opted to call it quits at the age of 31. He is expected to remain with Como in a non-playing position.
Defender picked up over a dozen trophies during his career
After starting his career with French side Lens, Varane moved on to Real Madrid in 2011. The defender spent 10 incredibly successful seasons with Los Blancos before moving to England. During his time in Spain, Varane collected a plethora of trophies including three LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs. He also played the entire 2024 FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City back in May.
Following news of Varane’s retirement, Real congratulated the defender and pointed out his importance to the team. “Raphael Varane will forever remain in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as one of the greatest center-backs in the history of Real Madrid and for always representing the values of our club,” the team said in a statement.
Varane also earned 93 total caps as a France international since making his debut as a teen in 2013. He played every single minute of the team’s triumph at the 2018 World Cup in Russia as well. The center-back was included in FIFA’s official Team of the Tournament for his stellar performances.
“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible,” Varane posted on social media. “Incredible emotions, special moments, and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”
“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Desire and needs are two different things.”
Injuries, including recent one, play a role in Raphael Varane retirement
While widely regarded as one of the top central defenders of his generation, injuries became an issue for Varane in recent years. Since joining United in 2021, the Frenchman missed nearly 50 total games due to various setbacks. This does not even include the recent knee injury while with Como.
Back in 2023, Varane suggested that the sport was becoming “dangerous” because of fixture congestion. FIFA and UEFA have expanded multiple tournaments in recent years, putting extra strain on the top players. Several players and coaches have since hit out at the governing bodies due to the issue.
Manchester City star Rodri even suggested that players could soon go on strike in protest. The midfielder subsequently suffered a significant knee injury just days later.
Manchester City’s quest for a historic fifth consecutive Premier League title has hit a major obstacle following the likely long-term injury of their most crucial player, Rodri. The 28-year-old midfielder has been pivotal to both club and country. However, he appears to have suffered a significant knee injury during City's match against Arsenal. Now, Rodri […]
Manchester City’s quest for a historic fifth consecutive Premier League title has hit a major obstacle following the likely long-term injury of their most crucial player, Rodri. The 28-year-old midfielder has been pivotal to both club and country. However, he appears to have suffered a significant knee injury during City‘s match against Arsenal. Now, Rodri may miss the remainder of the season.
Rodri’s injury comes at a time when the Spanish midfielder has been performing at the peak of his powers. After an exhausting 2023-24 season, in which he played 63 matches for both Manchester City and Spain, Rodri expressed concern over the increasing demands on players, calling for changes to the congested calendar. Despite this grueling schedule, the Spaniard excelled. He helped the Sky Blues secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the coveted Champions League.
Moreover, he played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, where he was named the tournament’s best player. His contribution to club and country had many tipping him as a Ballon d’Or contender. However, a cruel twist of fate saw him limp off the pitch during City’s clash last weekend.
Potentially devastating diagnosis
Initial reports following the Arsenal match indicated some optimism regarding Rodri’s condition. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, downplayed the severity of the injury. “I don’t know yet, I didn’t ask the doctors. Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise, Rodri stays there.”
However, the latest medical assessments have painted a far more troubling picture. Reports from Spain’s Diario AS suggest that Rodri has likely suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This serious injury could see him sidelined for up to a year. If the injury is really serious, he will miss a significant portion of the current season. Worse still, the English champions will be without a key player at a pivotal time in the season.
Rodri is currently in Spain, where he is set to undergo further tests and receive treatment for his ACL. Photographs have surfaced showing the midfielder walking with a noticeable limp, further heightening concerns over the extent of the injury.
How could City and Spain replace Rodri as he nurses ACL injury?
Should the diagnosis be confirmed, Guardiola will face the daunting task of replacing Rodri in City’s midfield. To cover for his absence, they may rely on players like Mateo Kovacic or Ilkay Gundogan, though both offer a different style of play. Guardiola could also turn to younger talents like Nico O’Reilly, but none possess the same commanding presence and defensive solidity that Rodri brings to the team.
Rodri’s injury will not only affect Manchester City but also Spain’s national team. As one of La Roja’s most important players, his absence will force manager Luis de la Fuente to reconsider his midfield options. With major international tournaments not immediately on the horizon, Spain may have some breathing room. Nevertheless, the next international games will still feel the loss of the 28-year-old.
De la Fuente may look to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as a replacement, but Rodri’s leadership and tactical intelligence will be hard to replicate. Spain’s Euro 2024 victory was in large part due to Rodri’s commanding performances in the heart of midfield, and finding a player of his caliber will be a challenge for the national side.
The midfielder’s injury also reignites the debate around player workload and the congested soccer calendar. Before his injury, the midfielder was vocal about the increasing physical demands on top-level players. He warned that players were nearing a breaking point, suggesting that a strike might be imminent if governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA do not address the issue.
“The schedule is getting out of hand,” Rodri said last week. “We need a solution, or we risk seeing more and more players suffer serious injuries. The human body can only handle so much.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his tactics and team's performance against Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners were forced to finish the match down a man after Leandro Trossard was controversially sent off just before halftime. Arsenal was leading the reigning Premier League champions at the time of the red card. City, quite predictably, […]
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his tactics and team’s performance against Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners were forced to finish the match down a man after Leandro Trossard was controversially sent off just before halftime. Arsenal was leading the reigning Premier League champions at the time of the red card.
City, quite predictably, dominated the second half with the advantage. Arteta’s team, on the other hand, opted to sit back and defend the lead for the entire half. The title holders racked up over 80% possession and had 24 total shots in the latter period. Despite this, the Gunners still managed to hold on for a draw. City defender John Stones eventually scored the tying goal deep into added time. The reigning champions recorded an xG of just 1.04 during this domination.
Time-wasting criticism debunked by statistical analysis
After the massive match, City players, rival fans, and even some pundits complained that Arsenal employed “dark arts” to nab a draw on the day. Those not satisfied with Arsenal’s play criticized the time-wasting tactics of Arteta’s team.
Nevertheless, statistics showed that the ball was actually in play for the fifth-longest of any Premier League game so far this season. Despite this, match officials opted to pick an incredible 17 total added minutes between the first and second halves.
Arteta addressed the issue on Tuesday. The regularly scheduled press conference comes as the Gunners are set to host Bolton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. “I always prefer the facts to words or supposing things,” claimed the coach. “Let’s see who is available tomorrow and then we can talk about ‘dark arts’ or these things or if it’s a reality. Unfortunately, yes there will be a few players not available.”
The Arsenal boss made three second-half substitutions in the match against City. At least two of these alterations involved injured players. Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber both seemed to suffer setbacks late in the game.
Arteta undeniably would not have wanted to remove the star duo from match if they were not injured. In their place, the manager brought on Jakub Kiwior and 17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Neither of these players had played a minute of action during the 2024/25 before Sunday.
Arteta right to shift Arsenal tactics in challenging City situation
Critics preferred Arsenal not to change their tactics while down a player against arguably the best team in the world in City. Some said Arteta’s team was “naive” for its performance in a similar situation three years ago. Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka picked up a red card in the first half against City back in 2021. The Gunners were eventually thumped 5-0 on the day and Arteta faced criticism for the heavy defeat.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou also found himself in a similar situation just last year. The fellow North London side picked up two red cards, and it played almost the entire second half with nine players during a game against Chelsea last November. Instead of dropping back to hold on to a draw, Postecoglou deployed a ridiculously high line near the middle of the pitch. The Blues cut through the line like a hot knife in butter and scored three more goals in the game.
Arteta learned from previous mistakes and took the correct approach on Sunday. Arsenal currently has one of the best defenses in all of Europe at the moment. The Spanish manager played to this strength and utilized a defensive strategy to avoid a defeat. While they only managed a draw, the scoreline could have been much worse for the club if they played into City’s hands.
Arsenal has shaken off previous ‘soft’ label
Complaints of Arsenal using “dark arts” also come as the club faced criticism as being “soft.” In previous years, pundits accused the Gunners of not being tough enough to win the Premier League. Nevertheless, this has clearly now changed.
Following the draw on Sunday, Arteta’s team now finds themselves only two points behind City in the standings. This is even though Arsenal has already played three tough road matches in their first five Premier League games.
Not only this, but the Gunners have also played roughly 20% of their top-flight games with just 10 players on the pitch. Despite all of this, Arsenal remain undefeated in the league.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag finds himself under increasing scrutiny as the club's performance continues to fall short of expectations. Despite being given the summer to build on his squad and implement his strategies, the Dutchman struggled to deliver consistent results. Now, rumors are swirling that the hierarchy at Old Trafford is exploring potential […]
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag finds himself under increasing scrutiny as the club’s performance continues to fall short of expectations. Despite being given the summer to build on his squad and implement his strategies, the Dutchman struggled to deliver consistent results. Now, rumors are swirling that the hierarchy at Old Trafford is exploring potential replacements. Former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is one of the leading candidates.
There have been many highs and lows during Ten Hag‘s time as Manchester United manager. The former Ajax boss was brought in with high hopes after his successful stint in the Netherlands. There, he developed a reputation for nurturing young talent and playing attractive soccer. However, translating that success to the Premier League has proven to be a challenging task.
Their start of the 2024-25 season has been particularly difficult, securing only seven points from their first five league matches. United is languishing in 11th place on the Premier League table. This underwhelming performance has led to growing discontent among fans and increased pressure from the club’s executives.
Despite these challenges, the Dutchman managed to earn a reprieve with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season. That played a crucial role in his contract extension until 2026. Unfortunately, the club has called into question his leadership skills once again after recent results. A humiliating loss to Liverpool followed a lackluster showing against Brighton.
Is ex-Juventus coach a serious option?
Amidst this uncertainty, reports have surfaced that Manchester United’s decision-makers have been quietly exploring alternatives to Ten Hag. One name that has been consistently mentioned is Massimiliano Allegri. The 57-year-old Italian tactician has a proven track record of success in Serie A. Allegri is currently out of work after Juventus sacked him at the end of the 2023-24 season. Thus, he is an attractive option for clubs looking for an experienced manager.
While managing AC Milan and Juventus, he won a total of six Serie A championships and several domestic cups. He also guided the latter to two UEFA Champions League finals. However, his second stint in Turin did not yield the desired results. He was out at Juventus despite winning the Coppa Italia last season.
Calciomercato suggests that Manchester United have already “sounded out” Allegri to gauge his interest in the role. The Italian is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, a competition he has long admired but never managed in. Allegri’s availability, coupled with his tactical acumen and experience managing top European clubs, makes him a strong candidate for the Old Trafford hot seat.
Risks and rewards of appointing Allegri to Manchester United
While Allegri’s credentials are impressive, his potential appointment is not without risks. His pragmatic and often defensive style of play might not align with the attacking play that the Red Devils’ fans expect. Moreover, his recent struggles at Juventus raise questions about whether he can adapt to the Premier League’s demands and whether his methods would resonate with United’s current squad.
On the other hand, the Italian’s experience in managing big clubs and handling high-pressure situations could be exactly what the Premier League giants need to navigate the turbulent waters they currently find themselves in. He has a track record of winning trophies. His ability to organize a team defensively could provide the stability that United have been lacking under Ten Hag.
For now, Ten Hag remains in charge, with the backing of key figures at the club. That includes INEOS, which recently extended his contract. However, the Dutchman is under no illusions about the precariousness of his situation. The upcoming fixtures, particularly in the Europa League and the Premier League, will be crucial in determining whether he can turn the tide and retain his position.
Arsenal's trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday was a highly anticipated clash between two of the Premier League’s top teams. With the Gunners aiming to dethrone the reigning champions, the stakes were high. However, despite a valiant effort that saw them nearly snatch all three points, the match ended in […]
Arsenal’s trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday was a highly anticipated clash between two of the Premier League’s top teams. With the Gunners aiming to dethrone the reigning champions, the stakes were high. However, despite a valiant effort that saw them nearly snatch all three points, the match ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving Arsenal with mixed emotions. Fans will remember the game for more than just the intense play on the field. Two Arsenal players, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, set an unwanted record.
The match started unfavorably for the Gunners as Erling Haaland continued his remarkable goal-scoring run. He netted his 100th goal for Manchester City just nine minutes into the game. This early blow seemed to spell trouble for Mikel Arteta’s men, who had not won at the Etihad since January 2015. However, Arsenal demonstrated resilience and determination, refusing to let the early setback define the match.
Riccardo Calafiori, making his full Premier League debut, delivered a stunning equalizer in the 22nd minute. The Italian’s strike gave Arsenal renewed hope, and they capitalized on their momentum just before halftime. A perfectly delivered corner from Bukayo Saka found Gabriel Magalhaes. The latter then headed home to give the visitors an unexpected 2-1 lead.
Controversial red card and Arsenal’s defensive stance
Just when Arsenal seemed poised to maintain their lead into the second half, disaster struck. The referee showed Leandro Trossard a yellow card for kicking the ball away. Even worse, he had already booked him earlier in the game. His dismissal left the visitors with 10 men for the entire second half, drastically altering the dynamics of the match.
Arteta’s side was forced into a defensive posture, adopting a 5-4-0 formation to withstand the inevitable Manchester City onslaught. The strategy was clear: defend with everything they had and try to preserve their slim advantage. For much of the second half, this approach seemed to be working. Arsenal’s defense, led by goalkeeper David Raya, thwarted the Citizens’ relentless attacks.
Havertz and Timber set embarrassing record
While Arsenal’s defensive performance was commendable, it came with a surprising and unfortunate statistic. Both Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, who played the entire match, failed to complete a single pass during the game. As per OptaJoe, this marked the first time since the 2003-04 season that outfield players in the Premier League played 89 minutes or more without completing a pass.
Havertz, who was effectively playing as a second right full-back during the second half, attempted five passes. All of those were unsuccessful. Similarly, Timber, who has been adapting to a left-back role since his return from an ACL injury, misplaced all six of his pass attempts. Despite their struggles in possession, the duo contributed significantly to Arsenal’s defensive effort, recording a combined nine clearances, three tackles, and 10 contested aerial duels.
Arsenal’s valiant defensive stand nearly paid off, but their efforts were undone in the dying moments of the match. In the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time, John Stones capitalized on a rebound from a blocked Mateo Kovacic shot to score the equalizer, breaking Arsenal’s hearts and securing a point for Manchester City. The result was a bitter pill to swallow for the Gunners, who came agonizingly close to a historic victory at the Etihad.
Manchester City faced a ten-man Arsenal side for the second half due to a Leandro Trossard red card in the first half. Subsequently, the second half felt more like a City training session than a competitive soccer match. Mikel Arteta tasked his players with defending their box diligently for as long as they could. It […]
Manchester City faced a ten-man Arsenal side for the second half due to a Leandro Trossard red card in the first half. Subsequently, the second half felt more like a City training session than a competitive soccer match. Mikel Arteta tasked his players with defending their box diligently for as long as they could.
It was not until the final set-piece of the game that City took advantage of a momentary lapse in the concentration of the Arsenal players. A shot from Mateo Kovacic ricocheted into the six-yard box and, where an unmarked John Stones easily tapped the ball in.
City once again sit atop the Premier League table, two points ahead of the Gunners. The most notable takeaway from the game, however, will be the sending-off of Trossard. It is yet another weekend where the consistency of the officials is put into question.
Another blunder from a Premier League referee?
Immediately after leaving the pitch, ambiguity surrounded Trossard’s red card. The Belgian international had already been booked earlier in the first half. The incident that got him sent off was not necessarily because of any harmful play either.
The official Premier League Match Center X account posted that referee Michael Oliver sent Trossard off for “delaying the restart”. This explanation applies to when Trossard hastily booted the ball in the air after conceding the foul. In this context, it appears that the referee is simply following the letter of the law.
Alternatively, there is an argument to be made about the careless inconsistencies shown by Premier League officials every week. An example exists in this same game. Jeremy Doku also delayed the restart of the game in an unrelated incident but did not see a card.
Many fans will also look back to a year ago when fans deemed Kovacic fortunate to remain on the pitch. Michael Oliver officiated that fixture, as well as the game today. After the game, PGMOL chief Howard Webb admitted that Kovacic was “extremely fortunate” to remain on the pitch after two reckless challenges.
It is patterns of incidents like these that conjure the accusations of inconsistency every week in England.
Arsenal defended for their lives against Manchester City in the second half
One thing that remained consistent, however, was Arsenal’s will to defend. Arteta sent his ten men out for the second half with a gameplan that became obvious quickly. Arsenal set up in a low block that would make Sam Allardyce proud and never looked back.
Similar to last week against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal’s shape was quite narrow. Arteta looked vindicated in assuming that City would attempt to play through their shape instead of attacking wide. Regardless of their position, an Arsenal player entered the pitch and immediately conformed to the rigidity of the shape.
Inevitably, Arsenal found some moments of respite higher up the pitch. Unfortunately, Arteta was adamant that Arsenal play without an outlet. The player this affected most was Kai Havertz. The German international became the first Premier League player in seven seasons to play a full game without completing a pass. This statistic added insult to the injury that Stones had already inflicted.
Real Madrid has learned their schedule for the inaugural 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The new annual tournament pits the winners of all six FIFA confederations against each other. Real Madrid, as reigning UEFA Champions League winners, previously booked a place in the competition. The tournament's name is directly derived from a former FIFA competition. The […]
Real Madrid has learned their schedule for the inaugural 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The new annual tournament pits the winners of all six FIFA confederations against each other. Real Madrid, as reigning UEFA Champions League winners, previously booked a place in the competition.
The tournament’s name is directly derived from a former FIFA competition. The old Intercontinental Cup featured just two clubs, the winners from UEFA and CONMEBOL. Previously established in 1960, the now-defunct tournament was moved to Japan in 1980. FC Porto lifted the final Intercontinental Cup trophy in 2004 by beating Colombian side Once Caldas in a penalty shootout.
The updated 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup now essentially follows the same format as previous editions of the Club World Cup. Champions of each region in a single-elimination bracket. UEFA champions, however, are automatically placed in the tournament final. Winners from Asia and Oceania, on the other hand, have to enter the competition in the first round.
While the Club World Cup is still in place, FIFA has drastically overhauled the tournament. The heavily expanded competition will now include 32 teams and be played every four years.
Real could face Mexican side Pachuca in the tournament final
The Intercontinental Cup officially kicks off on Sunday, September 22nd. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) champions Al Ain will play Auckland City FC, winners of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), in the initial matchup. The victorious club will then advance on to face current African champions Al Ahly on October 29th.
Following this game, CONCACAF winners Pachuca will play the South American champions. This team, however, is not yet decided. The 2024 Copa Libertadores is still currently ongoing. Five Brazilian sides, including Fluminense, Flamengo, and Botafogo, are still alive in the competition. Colo-Colo, River Plate, and Penarol could also eventually win the Copa Libertadores title.
The winners of these two fixtures will then face off on December 14 in Doha, Qatar. Real Madrid, only having to play one game in the competition, would then face the eventual winner in the title match. The 2024 Intercontinental Cup final is also set to be held in the capital city on December 18th. However, a venue for the title-deciding game has not yet been selected.
Qatar trip gives Real a travel headache during LaLiga campaign
The new tournament will be Real’s seventh different club competition before the 2025/26 season starts. Along with the upcoming heavy fixture list, travel is also a concern for the Spanish side. The trip to Doha in December is wedged between two LaLiga games. The trio of fixtures are currently scheduled to be played within the same week.
FIFA has received plenty of heat in recent months for expanding schedules. The revamped Intercontinental Cup is a concern, but a majority of the problem lies with the expanded Club World Cup. Manchester City star Rodri recently claimed that players could soon go on strike due to the issue. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois later supported the midfielder’s assertion.
Because of increased scheduling, top stars featuring for club and country could soon be forced to play up to 85 games in a single season.
It is safe to say that Lionel Messi has been a hit signing for Inter Miami. The global superstar previously sent shockwaves through the soccer world when he opted to join the club in the summer of 2023. While he has battled multiple injuries, Messi has so far dominated the sport here in the United […]
It is safe to say that Lionel Messi has been a hit signing for Inter Miami. The global superstar previously sent shockwaves through the soccer world when he opted to join the club in the summer of 2023. While he has battled multiple injuries, Messi has so far dominated the sport here in the United States.
For instance, the Argentine attacker has collected an incredible 27 goals and 17 assists in just 31 total matches with Miami. In Major League Soccer play, Messi is averaging a direct goal involvement every 56.5 minutes. He even led the team to their first-ever trophy last year in a Leagues Cup triumph.
His stellar on-field display for Miami and Argentina earned Messi yet another Ballon d’Or trophy in 2023. It was his record-extending eighth such trophy in his illustrious career. Messi also became the only Ballon d’Or winner to collect the trophy while playing outside of Europe.
Because of his instant impact, American fans have flocked to catch the World Cup winner in action. Ticket sales involving Miami matches skyrocketed and Messi jerseys flew off of the shelves. A recent report claims that Miami has sold more Messi jerseys in the first half of this year than the rest of the top 25 players combined.
Inter Miami may target Brazilian superstar after Messi leaves
The superstar, however, will not remain a Miami player in the distant future. Messi is currently 37 and is likely nearing retirement. The Argentina international’s current contract is set to end after the 2025 MLS season. After that, Messi is expected to step away from the sport.
When this happens, MLS, and particularly Miami, will have a major hole to fill. The league’s long-term goal is to essentially create the next superstar in the future. This will almost certainly take time. As a result, Miami must find a suitable superstar to help fill the void left by Messi.
No one will be able to truly replace the superstar, but there are several possible solutions for Miami. One of the biggest names sure to be linked with an MLS move soon is Neymar. The Brazilian remains one of the most popular soccer stars in the world, even if he has been out of action for nearly a year with a serious injury.
Interestingly enough, Neymar is currently under contract at Al-Hilal until 2025 as well. This means that he could seemingly join Miami ahead of Messi’s departure. The Brazilian does, however, also have an option to extend his stay in Saudi Arabia for another year. How he recovers from the aforementioned injury will likely affect his future.
Liverpool winger likely to be out of reach for MLS and Miami
Outside of Neymar, Miami would certainly love to target Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star, despite being 32, is one of the top players in the world. His contract at Liverpool expires in the summer of 2025 as well.
Nevertheless, Salah has not indicated that he will join an MLS side next year. A stay in Europe or possibly even Saudi Arabia seems the most likely destination for the African.
One player who does seem set for a move to America in the future is Antoine Griezmann. The Atletico Madrid forward was recently the subject of links with MLS before ultimately staying in Spain. Despite the recent decision, the Frenchman is likely to move to the United States in the future.
Kevin De Bruyne and Robert Lewandowski are also potential options for Miami as well. The Belgian playmaker may leave Manchester City next summer and previously expressed interest in San Diego FC. Lewandowski, on the other hand, would give Miami a formidable scoring threat after Messi and Luis Suarez depart the club.
Real Madrid are reportedly considering a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi as an alternative to Manchester City's Rodri, should their pursuit of the Premier League star fall through. The 25-year-old recently won Euro 2024 with Spain. Now, he has emerged as a top target for Los Blancos as they continue to strengthen their midfield. […]
Real Madrid are reportedly considering a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as an alternative to Manchester City’s Rodri, should their pursuit of the Premier League star fall through.
The 25-year-old recently won Euro 2024 with Spain. Now, he has emerged as a top target for Los Blancos as they continue to strengthen their midfield.
Zubimendi has spent his entire career at Real Sociedad; becoming a key figure in their midfield since breaking into the first team. His commitment to the club was evident this past summer when he turned down a lucrative offer from Liverpool.
Despite the Premier League club activating his $68 million release clause, he chose to remain in San Sebastian, citing his deep connection to the club where he has spent nearly half his life.
“Real Sociedad for me is my life,” Zubimendi stated when asked about his decision to stay.
“A lot of what I am is part of La Real, it is my life”. His loyalty has made him a beloved figure among fans, but the lure of Real Madrid could test that allegiance.
However, luring the 28-year-old star away from Manchester City could be a significant challenge. The Spanish international is a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s squad. As such, City have reportedly offered the midfielder a new contract that would make him one of the club’s highest earners.
🚨⚪️ Dani Carvajal: “I tell Rodri every day to sign for Real Madrid”.
“I tell him every day to leave Manchester, that there is no sun there and to come to Madrid that we need him”.
With Rodri potentially out of reach, Zubimendi has emerged as a strong alternative for the reigning European champions. The move would not only strengthen their midfield but also bring in a player with a proven international pedigree and a deep understanding of La Liga.
While the player’s loyalty to Real Sociedad has been unwavering, recent reports suggest that he may be rethinking his stance. The departure of his midfield partner Mikel Merino to Arsenal, coupled with the White and Blues’ slow start to the season, has reportedly led to some regrets about turning down Liverpool’s offer.
These developments could increase Real Madrid’s chances of securing Zubimendi’s signature. This is all the more likely if the player feels that a move to the Spanish capital is a more comfortable transition compared to relocating abroad.
Although Liverpool remain interested, the pull of Real Madrid, a club with a history of attracting top talent, might be too strong to resist.
Possible implications for Real Sociedad and Real Madrid
For Real Sociedad, losing Zubimendi would be a significant blow, particularly after already seeing Merino depart. Zubimendi has been instrumental in their midfield, and his departure would leave a void that could be difficult to fill. However, the financial windfall from a potential sale to Real Madrid could allow the club to reinvest in other areas.
For Real Madrid, signing Zubimendi would represent a strategic acquisition, adding depth to a midfield already brimming with talent. With Luka Modric in the twilight of his career, Zubimendi could be seen as a long-term successor; ensuring that the club remains competitive at the highest level.
Milan faces a critical juncture early this season as tensions rise between coach Paulo Fonseca and club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic. According to recent reports, the club is preparing for the possibility of replacing Fonseca. Names like Edin Terzic, Maurizio Sarri, Thomas Tuchel, and Massimiliano Allegri have emerged as potential successors. Paulo Fonseca, who took over […]
Milan faces a critical juncture early this season as tensions rise between coach Paulo Fonseca and club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic. According to recent reports, the club is preparing for the possibility of replacing Fonseca. Names like Edin Terzic, Maurizio Sarri, Thomas Tuchel, and Massimiliano Allegri have emerged as potential successors.
Paulo Fonseca, who took over as Milan‘s head coach only recently, is already under immense pressure due to the team’s poor start to the season. The Rossoneri have managed just one win across all competitions so far. Worse still, the disappointing 3-1 home loss to Liverpool in the Champions League has only intensified calls for his dismissal.
The scenario has become even more problematic due to the increasing animosity between the manager and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The latter now serves as an advisor to the club owners, RedBird Capital. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Ibrahimovic’s influence at the club has become a source of friction. Three key incidents that have strained the relationship between the coach and the former striker.
One of these incidents occurred during the pre-season when Fonseca publicly declared that the club’s transfer window was closed following the signing of Youssouf Fofana. However, the Swede veteran contradicted him shortly afterward. The transfer window would only close when he decided so. This public undermining reportedly did not sit well with the Portuguese manager.
Everything up to Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic’s role at Milan has been widely debated, particularly in light of his increasing involvement in the team’s affairs. Reports suggest that before the season opener against Torino, he gathered the players at Milanello and addressed them without Fonseca present. Before the Liverpool match, a similar event took place at the training field. The 42-year-old, after a two-week hiatus, showed his power by interrogating the players about their connection with Fonseca.
These actions have fueled speculation that Ibrahimovic is wielding too much power at the club. Some reports indicate that the decision to retain or sack Fonseca ultimately rests with him. Despite this, Fonseca’s future at Milan could hinge on the outcome of the upcoming Derby della Madonnina against Inter. A loss in this high-stakes match could see him dismissed, with the club already exploring potential replacements.
Who does Milan name as replacements for Paulo Fonseca?
In anticipation of a possible change, Milan has reportedly begun contacting several high-profile coaches. One of the leading candidates is Edin Terzic, the former Borussia Dortmund coach, who has been in discussions with Ibrahimovic about the role. Terzic is a highly regarded figure, having led Dortmund to the Champions League final last season and nearly securing the Bundesliga title the year before.
Maurizio Sarri is another name the media have frequently linked with the Rossoneri job. The former Lazio, Napoli, and Juventus boss has been out of work since March but has expressed a desire to return to coaching before January 2025. Sarri’s experience in Serie A and his tactical acumen make him a strong contender for the position.
Thomas Tuchel, who guided Chelsea to a Champions League victory in 2021, is also on the San Siro outfit’s radar. His pedigree in European competitions and his ability to manage top-level squads could make him an attractive option for the Rossoneri.
Massimiliano Allegri, a familiar face at Milan, is another potential candidate. Allegri led Milan to the Serie A title in 2011. He could be a safe pair of hands to stabilize the team. Despite his recent struggles at Juventus, Allegri’s experience and connection with Milan could play in his favor if the club decides to part ways with Fonseca.
A dreary evening in the UEFA Champions League was made worse after an injury to Kevin De Bruyne in the first game of the competition. Manchester City hosted Inter Milan in a rematch of the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final. Unlike that game in Istanbul, Manchester City drew with the Italian champions in a scoreless […]
A dreary evening in the UEFA Champions League was made worse after an injury to Kevin De Bruyne in the first game of the competition. Manchester City hosted Inter Milan in a rematch of the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final. Unlike that game in Istanbul, Manchester City drew with the Italian champions in a scoreless affair. Kevin De Bruyne’s injury will be far more concerning than picking up one point instead of three on Wednesday night.
In the first half, star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne limped after a challenge late in the first half. In the 43rd minute, De Bruyne was stuffed as Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer denied the Belgian from close range. The interchange looked awkward for De Bruyne, who may have slightly rolled his ankle. Although he continued for the closing minutes of the first half, De Bruyne was unfit to continue.
Kevin De Bruyne’s injury critically affected Manchester City’s play. Having been instrumental in the side’s attack going forward, Manchester City looked devoid of creativity in the second half. Granted, much of that comes from Pep Guardiola’s style of play. City controlled the ball just outside the Inter Milan area. Yet, at no point did Manchester City look like a legitimate threat. Sommer made a handful of saves, but seldom were those legitimate tests on his goal.
As the injury is so fresh, there is minimal indication as to the severity of the knock. However, De Bruyne had played all but two minutes in the Premier League this season. He has been instrumental in the side picking up four wins from four games and racing out to a lead in the Premier League. The Belgian has previously been at the center of injury concerns, and that could be the problem once again for City.
Significant game at the weekend changes due to De Bruyne injury
Depending on how serious the injury is, De Bruyne could miss time. How much time is anyone’s guess. However, City has one of its most important games of the season on Sunday. Arsenal travels to the Etihad in a contest between the two teams most picked to finish first and second in the Premier League this season. Even if it is a slight knock for De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola would be cautious not to press De Bruyne. At the age of 33, De Bruyne would be more susceptible to injuries.
On the brighter side for City, this differs from the injuries that have kept him out for an extended period over recent seasons. For example, De Bruyne missed around 30 games last season because of a hamstring injury. That does not appear to be a considerable issue, and this current ankle injury does not seem to be a continuation of any previous injury that he has suffered.
In the Champions League, Manchester City returns to action in two weeks. City is taking on a Slovan Bratislava team that just lost 5-1 to Celtic. If De Bruyne misses the Arsenal game, it would not be surprising to see him out for several games to ensure he returns to full fitness.
Weston McKennie’s resurgence at Juventus was marked by a memorable performance in the club's 3-1 UEFA Champions League victory over PSV. The USMNT midfielder started the match and delivered a key goal. That helped Juventus secure three points in the new Champions League phase. McKennie, once seemingly on the verge of leaving the club, is […]
Weston McKennie’s resurgence at Juventus was marked by a memorable performance in the club’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League victory over PSV. The USMNT midfielder started the match and delivered a key goal. That helped Juventus secure three points in the new Champions League phase. McKennie, once seemingly on the verge of leaving the club, is now proving his worth under head coach Thiago Motta.
His first start of the season for the Old Lady was a significant one. He logged 75 minutes on the field and played a pivotal role in the team’s success. The American midfielder scored Juventus’ second goal of the match, following Kenan Yildiz’s opener in the 21st minute. McKennie’s goal came just six minutes later when a deflected ball from Nicolas Gonzalez fell at his feet inside the PSV box. McKennie then slammed the ball into the net.
This goal marked the American’s fifth career goal in the Champions League. His overall performance was solid. He completed 88% of his passes, won one duel, and made one tackle before being substituted. McKennie’s return to the starting lineup is a testament to his hard work and perseverance after a challenging summer where his future at the club appeared uncertain.
McKennie’s rebirth after rocky summer
The summer transfer window was a difficult period for McKennie, as he was essentially frozen out of the Juventus squad and nearly sold to Aston Villa. The Italians had initially planned to include the 26-year-old as part of a deal to bring Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz to Turin. However, the transfer fell through when McKennie couldn’t agree on personal terms with Aston Villa. Instead, Juve opted to include Enzo Barrenechea in the deal, leaving McKennie in limbo.
Despite this uncertainty, the USMNT star never lost focus. He continued to train with the team and worked hard to convince head coach Thiago Motta that he deserved another chance. His persistence paid off, as he made a brief appearance as a substitute in the Serie A match against Roma before earning his first start of the season against PSV.
This was McKennie’s first start for Juventus since the Coppa Italia Final victory over Atalanta in May. His ability to bounce back from a difficult situation has been a hallmark of his time at Juventus, where he has often had to fight for his place in the squad.
What did Thiago Motta say after PSV game regarding McKennie?
Juventus head coach Thiago Motta was pleased with McKennie’s performance and emphasized that the decision to start him was based on merit. In a post-match interview with Sky Sport, Motta explained his choice to start the American midfielder over recent summer signings like Khephren Thuram and Douglas Luiz.
“I like Weston, like all other players,” the coach said. “It was his time to start today. It’s a good result for starting the competition. Now, we must recover for the next game. Weston is part of a strong group.”
Motta’s comments reflect his belief in McKennie’s potential and his role within the squad. He acknowledged that McKennie, like all the players, is working hard to improve, and the most important thing is that the team secured the victory. “The important thing is not my decision. This is my duty. I must field the best 11. I am happy for McKennie. Like all the others, he’s working to improve. The important thing is that the team won today.”
Former Italy national team striker Salvatore "Totò" Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59. Born in Palermo, the forward initially began his senior career across Sicily with Messina in 1982. After a string of positive seasons, Schillaci eventually collected 23 Serie B goals throughout the 1988/89 campaign. He ended up playing more matches […]
Former Italy national team striker Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59. Born in Palermo, the forward initially began his senior career across Sicily with Messina in 1982. After a string of positive seasons, Schillaci eventually collected 23 Serie B goals throughout the 1988/89 campaign. He ended up playing more matches for the Giallorossi than any other club.
Although Messina did not earn promotion that year, the striker’s display was noticed by Italian giants Juventus. During his freshman season in Turin, in which the club was experiencing wholesale changes, Schillaci netted 21 total goals. The striker’s form helped the Old Lady collect the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup trophies in 1990.
Totò Schillaci collected Golden Boot, Golden Ball awards at 1990 World Cup
Schillaci’s performances during the 1989/90 campaign forced Italy manager Azeglio Vicini to select the striker for the 1990 World Cup. The massive tournament was hosted by the nation. Although the forward had previously not featured for the national team at the time, he essentially took the competition by storm.
Italy entered the tournament at the time as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. While Gli Azzurri ultimately finished third in the competition, no one scored more goals at the 1990 World Cup than Schillaci. Along with collecting the Golden Boot with six goals, the striker also won the Golden Ball Award as well. The trophy goes to the best player at the tournament.
Schillaci’s incredible season with Juve and Italy nearly earned the striker a Ballon d’Or trophy. West Germany’s Lothar Matthäus eventually collected the award, but the Italian star finished second in the race.
Following his World Cup success, Schillaci eventually spent two more years with Juve before moving on to Inter Milan. He then ultimately finished out his playing career with Japanese side Júbilo Iwata. The latter move meant that he was the first ever Italian player to feature in the J. League.
Doctors diagnosed Schillaci with colon cancer back in 2022. The former star was also recently hospitalized in his hometown of Palermo with heart issues.
Inter Milan will wear black armbands during Man City match
Following the unfortunate news of his passing, Schillaci’s former clubs, teammates, and even Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued comments regarding the star. “We immediately fell in love with Totò,” read an official statement from Juve. “His desire, his story, his being so wonderfully passionate, and it showed in every game he played.”
“We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did, captivated by those wonderfully energetic celebrations of his.”
Inter specifically referenced Schillaci’s impact on the 1990 World Cup. “He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia 90,” said the club. “FC Internazionale Milan gathers around the Schillaci family for the passing of Totò.”
The Italian Football Federation revealed each league in Italy will observe a minute’s silence from Wednesday to Sunday. Inter will also don black armbands in honor of their former player during a Champions League matchup with Manchester City on Wednesday.
The summer transfer window only just closed a few weeks ago but Real Madrid is already making plans. Los Blancos opted to make just two signings throughout the recent window. Kylian Mbappe's move from Paris Saint-Germain was undoubtedly the biggest transfer story is the entire summer. Brazilian teen sensation Endrick, however, was also brought in […]
The summer transfer window only just closed a few weeks ago but Real Madrid is already making plans. Los Blancos opted to make just two signings throughout the recent window. Kylian Mbappe’s move from Paris Saint-Germain was undoubtedly the biggest transfer story is the entire summer. Brazilian teen sensation Endrick, however, was also brought in as well.
Signing arguably the best player and the most coveted youngster in the world would typically mean major spending. Nevertheless, Real recorded a net spend of just $37 million this summer. The deal involving Endrick was the only expenditure for the club during this period. Mbappe, on the other hand, signed on with the team as a free agent.
Not only did Real resist spending a fortune in the transfer market this summer but they have remained relatively restrained in recent years. In fact, outside the 2023/24 season, the club has not recorded a net spend higher than $37 million since 2020. During this four-year timeframe, Los Blancos have generated more funds than they have spent in the transfer market.
Real hoping Liverpool star does not re-sign with current club
Because of this positive net spend, Real can hypothetically shell out serious money on transfers next summer. According to The Independent, the Spanish side is ready to flex their financial muscles once again. The news outlet claims that Real will target at least three Premier League stars in 2025.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold are two of these players. The Spanish star has been linked with a potential move back to Madrid for weeks now. Rodri previously joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
The midfielder told reporters on Tuesday that he has “a contract with City and there is nothing else to say.” Rodri’s current deal with the reigning English champions does not expire until 2027.
Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, could potentially become a free agent after the current campaign. The Liverpool defender is in the final year under contract with the Reds. Along with the England international, Liverpool also have similar contract worries over Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as well.
The English club still wants to sign Alexander-Arnold to a new deal, but the player may opt to jump ship. Along with being one of the top destinations for players, Real may also have an ace up their sleeve. The Liverpool defender reportedly has a close friendship with current Los Blancos star Jude Bellingham.
Saliba joins Alexander-Arnold at top of Real Madrid wish list
Outside of Rodri and Alexander-Arnold, Real also wants to improve in central defense. The Independent believes that the Spanish side will pick between Arsenal’s William Saliba or Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero. Saliba has grown into arguably the best center-back in the world at the moment. The Frenchman has been a mainstay in manager Mikel Arteta’s impeccable defense in recent years.
With Saliba in the team, Arsenal posted the best defensive record in the entire Premier League last season. So far this campaign, the Gunners have only allowed one goal, and the strike came as the team was down to 10 men. Like Rodri, Saliba is also under contract until 2027, and his current club will likely do everything they can to keep the star.
If a move for Saliba does not work out, Romero seems to be Real’s plan B. The World Cup-winning Argentine defender has also been a rock in central defense for Spurs. Real could be aided in their possible pursuit of Romero by the fact that they have a solid business relationship with Tottenham. The center-back is under contract at Spurs until 2027 as well, but unlike Rodri and Saliba, he is still on his original contract.
A League One clash between Wrexham AFC and Birmingham City FC was a who's who of stars in the crowd. On the pitch, league-leading Wrexham and Birmingham City played out a thrilling contest that finished 3-1 in favor of Birmingham City. However, cameras could not stay away from the crowd that featured movie stars, Premier […]
A League One clash between Wrexham AFC and Birmingham City FC was a who’s who of stars in the crowd. On the pitch, league-leading Wrexham and Birmingham City played out a thrilling contest that finished 3-1 in favor of Birmingham City. However, cameras could not stay away from the crowd that featured movie stars, Premier League winners and legends from other sports.
Some of these were based on ownership. Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are regulars at the Racecourse Ground to watch Wrexham play. On Monday evening, Rob McElhenney was at St. Andrew’s to watch his Red Dragons look to maintain their perfect start to life in League One. Birmingham City majority owner Tom Wagner was also in attendance to watch the game as Birmingham City was also unbeaten.
However, the more notable owner of Birmingham City to be in attendance was future NFL Hall of Fame inductee Tom Brady. The New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers icon is part of the ownership group of Birmingham City. He was alongside Wagner throughout the contest. Many of those cameos showed the American fully involved in the emotion of the game, too. He looked disappointed following Wrexham’s early opener. Yet, he was boisterous on his feet following Birmingham City’s goals. He also got to experience a proper heckling from Wrexham fans who berated Brady with jeers as he walked by the away section.
Alongside Brady were two icons of the Premier League. Fans in the stands may have more of a connection to these athletes. David Beckham and one of his sons were in the crowd next to Brady to watch the game on Monday night. Also, one of Beckham’s former teammates, Gary Neville, made his way to Birmingham to watch the game. Neville, who works as a pundit for Sky Sports, was in the same box as Brady and Beckham.
Birmingham City, Wrexham to draw more stars as season progresses
This game was significant not just for the people in the seats. Wrexham entered the game as the League One frontrunner. Thirteen points in the side’s opening five games was as strong a start as McElhenney could have hoped for. This loss against Birmingham City will sting. The Blues controlled the contest after Wrexham’s early goal. However, it will not be the end of the battle between two sides vying for promotion to the Championship. The Racecourse Ground will be an equally raucous atmosphere when Birmingham City comes to visit later in the season.
That game may feature both Reynolds and McElhenney, as the two have been spotted together many times cheering on the team they own. If that game has significance for the promotion race later in the season, it would not be surprising to see Tom Brady there, either.
That is all in the future, and Wrexham will return to the Racecourse Ground after suffering its first loss of the season. After Monday, Wrexham remains at the top of the table. However, Birmingham City is also on 13 points, and the Blues have a game in hand on the Red Dragons.
EFL League One holds clubs steeped in history. That includes teams who have recent stints in the Premier League. For instance, Reading, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, and Huddersfield Town have each played in the top flight since 2010. They may have fallen on harder times, but there is always the potential for promotion. After all, […]
EFL League One holds clubs steeped in history. That includes teams who have recent stints in the Premier League. For instance, Reading, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, and Huddersfield Town have each played in the top flight since 2010. They may have fallen on harder times, but there is always the potential for promotion. After all, many top clubs in the modern game have spent time in EFL League One throughout its history.
For reference, League One dates back to 1920 when it was created in the English pyramid as a professional division. The 1920/21 Football League Third Division, as it was known, included many teams that modern fans have no issue recognizing. Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Brentford, all current Premier League clubs, played in the third tier. Additionally, Crystal Palace won the first iteration of League One.
That is just the surface, though. Many of the top clubs in England have played at least one season in EFL League One. Some of those may be more recent than others, but they still stand as former League One sides. Ipswich Town may not have the history of some of these other clubs. However, it is the Premier League side to play in League One most recently. That was in the 2022/23 campaign. Back-to-back promotions have sent the Tractor Boys up to the Premier League.
Most famous League One clubs
Here are ten of the top clubs to have played in the third tier of English soccer in its over 100-year history. Note that some of these teams played in the division before it rebranded to League One ahead of the 2004/04 season.
Club
Last season played in League One
Manchester City
1998/99
Aston Villa
1971/72
Leeds United
2009/10
Leicester City
2008/09
Nottingham Forest
2007/08
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2013/14
Southampton
2010/11
Birmingham City
2024/25
Fulham
1998/99
Brighton and Hove Albion
2010/11
Going back into history, though, Manchester City stands out as the top side to have played in the league. City spent the 1998/99 season in the third tier of English soccer. At the time, it was known as the ‘Second Division,’ but it was two tiers under the Premier League. That was the only campaign City spent outside the top two divisions. In that season, City finished third, which was good enough for promotion to Division One via a win in the playoff final.
As seen, Birmingham City’s fall from grace is remarkable. Having played in the Premier League and producing top talents, Birmingham City has fallen into the third tier this season. Before then, the last time the Blues played in League One was back in the 1994/95 season.
League One records over the years
Many of those famous clubs spent just one season in the third tier. Yet, the side with the longest stay in the third division of English soccer belongs to Bournemouth. The Cherries spent a stunning 40 seasons in the third tier before eventually succumbing to relegation. That stint lasted from 1923 to 1970.
Over that time, Bournemouth watched the most successful team in League One history, Plymouth Argyle, win the division three times. In total, Plymouth has won League One on five occasions. The most recent of those was this past season in 2023/24. Plymouth Argyle earned promotion to the Championship for the 2024/25 season as a result of its success in the third tier.
Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as the head coach of the USMNT has sent ripples through the soccer world. Announced earlier this week, Pochettino will lead USA through to the 2026 World Cup; marking his first venture into international management. His first press conference on Friday sparked reactions from key figures in the sport; notably from Manchester […]
Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as the head coach of the USMNT has sent ripples through the soccer world. Announced earlier this week, Pochettino will lead USA through to the 2026 World Cup; marking his first venture into international management. His first press conference on Friday sparked reactions from key figures in the sport; notably from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. He praised the 53-year-old’s hiring and shared their thoughts on what it could mean for US soccer.
Challenge ahead for Pochettino with USA team
Pochettino previously managed top Premier League sides such as Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea. He now takes on this role with considerable expectations. The USMNT, set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, will be looking to build on their existing potential and elevate their status on the global stage.
Thus, it’s safe to say that he steps into a role laden with expectations. Pochettino’s task will be to blend the country’s young talent with its more experienced players. The US team boasts an exciting crop of players, including Christian Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna, and Weston McKennie; all of whom are playing in Europe’s top leagues.
The Argentine’s appointment also signals a desire to implement a more structured, competitive style of play. Known for his high-pressing, fast-paced approach, Pochettino’s tactics could help transform the squad into a more formidable force on the global stage.
However, the road to success is far from easy. The Stars and Stripes have faced criticism for their inconsistency in recent years; thus there is pressure to not only qualify but also to make a deep run in the 2026 World Cup. With Pochettino at the helm, there is optimism that the U.S. team can turn a corner and achieve new heights.
What did Pep Guardiola say about Pochettino?
Pep Guardiola, a long-time competitor of Pochettino during their time in the Premier League, was among the first high-profile figures to comment on the Argentine’s new role. The Manchester City boss shared his thoughts during a press conference, acknowledging the significance of the USMNT project and the potential it holds for Pochettino.
“I wish him and the USA — I have friends there — the best of luck,” Guardiola said. “I know he’s a top-class manager, an experienced manager”. The Spaniard also emphasized how intriguing the opportunity in the US is, particularly given the growth of the sport and the rising expectations surrounding the national team.
“The USA is fascinating to try to build a project for many years and being able to get the national team to the next step,” Guardiola continued. “The potential with the USA is there for the amount of people and sports and so on. If he has decided [to take the job], it’s because it’s the best for him.”
Interestingly, the two have clashed 25 times on the touchline, with Guardiola holding a 14-7-4 record over his Argentine counterpart. Despite his favorable record, Pep holds Pochettino in high regard, praising his tactical acumen and leadership qualities.
Barcelona extended their winning streak with a 4-1 win in the first Catalan derby of the season at Girona. Lamine Yamal was the star of the show as he reached double figures for goals as a player for Barca. Yamal reached double digits for Barca Just before the international break, Michel’s side beat Sevilla away […]
Barcelona extended their winning streak with a 4-1 win in the first Catalan derby of the season at Girona. Lamine Yamal was the star of the show as he reached double figures for goals as a player for Barca.
Yamal reached double digits for Barca
Just before the international break, Michel’s side beat Sevilla away from home as Abel Ruiz opened his LaLiga account. The striker who captained Spain to the Olympics gold medal is the replacement for the league’s top scorer Artem Dovbyk.
Meanwhile, Barca was the only team to win all the first four games in LaLiga. With Real Madrid taking three points from San Sebastian despite another lackluster performance, the task was to stretch the lead over the champions to four points.
Although the first goal was self-inflicted with David Lopez easily dispossed by Yamal, Barcelona deserved to go two goals ahead at the half-time break. The 17-year-old was at the double to reach 10 career club goals.
Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament started the new season with blistering form. Despite fitness issues during the international break, he started both of Spain’s games in the Nations League.
He has direct goal contributions in all five games so far. And he’s expected to be crowned as the winner of the Kopa Trophy in next month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. Yamal is not only for the future. He’s also the present.
Flick’s well-drilled team posed a challenge to star-studded Real
Barcelona’s second-half dominance was even more impressive. Yamal could’ve had his first hat-trick and Robert Lewandowski came very close to keep his scoring run. It was only four by the end of the game, but Girona could’ve easily conceded seven like Real Valladolid.
After winning their first three games by a close scoreline of 2-1, Hansi Flick’s team is now crashing opponents with total dominance. The German coach worked wonders under difficult financial conditions.
Not only the Champions League kings Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid also strengthened with big-money signings this summer. In contrast, Barcelona only signed their academy graduate Dani Olmo and youngster Pau Victor.
Investing big in Olmo has been an instant hit as he scored in all his first three games. Although they only managed to keep one clean sheet, the attacking numbers more than made up for it. Barcelona had 23 shots on the night, including 9 on target.
It was also a sweet revenge for Barcelona as their 4-2 home defeat to Girona confirmed Real Madrid as champions last season. Girona also won their first meeting by the same scoreline in Montilivi.
What’s next for Girona and Barcelona?
Both teams will be on the road for midweek’s Champions League actions. Girona’s first-ever European game will see them face high-flying PSG at the Parc des Prince on Wednesday. The Parisians maintained their perfect start to the Ligue 1 season with a 3-1 success over fellow Champions League club Stade Brestois.
And, on Thursday, Barcelona will be up against AS Monaco. The Monegasque are yet to concede a goal from an open play. Adi Hutter’s side could potentially challenge PSG and Marseille for a Ligue 1 throne.
In league action, bottom-placed Valencia will be Girona’s next opponent as last season’s surprise packages aim to return to winning ways. Barcelona, without the suspended Ferran Torres, will have a third consecutive away game as they visit Villarreal, whose three wins came via injury-time winners.
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly had a plan in place to target Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. The England international was previously expected to move on from the Eagles during the recent summer transfer period. Nevertheless, suitable offers for the star ultimately never came. This lack of real interest in Eze even left Palace chairman Steve Parish […]
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly had a plan in place to target Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
The England international was previously expected to move on from the Eagles during the recent summer transfer period.
Nevertheless, suitable offers for the star ultimately never came. This lack of real interest in Eze even left Palace chairman Steve Parish “astounded.”
Eze Spurs Links
According to Football Transfers, Spurs previously reached a verbal agreement with the Palace playmaker months ago.
In fact, the report claims that Eze’s family was even invited to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in April for a matchup with Arsenal. The Gunners ended up topping their bitter rivals 3-2 on the day.
The news outlet goes on to claim that Eze’s representatives then told Spurs that they planned to wait to decide the player’s future. This apparently came down to other top Premier League clubs showing interest in the star. Although no other offers eventually came, Eze’s head was seemingly turned.
Spurs, on the other hand, essentially used funds set aside for Eze to buy Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
The North London side paid the Cherries around $71 million for the center forward. It was the most expensive signing by any English top-flight club this summer. Solanke is seen as a direct replacement for former Spurs superstar striker Harry Kane.
Versatile Palace star linked with Tottenham’s biggest rivals
After Spurs turned their attention towards Solanke, Arsenal and Manchester City became favorites to sign Eze. While both sides ultimately opted against the move, there is a solid chance that they will return with offers next summer. The midfielder would also seemingly fit in well with either club.
Arsenal filled the need for an extra creative player with Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling. The deal, however, is only a temporary loan. This means, assuming the winger’s move does not eventually become permanent, that the Gunners would likely still want to bring in another attacking option in 2025.
Not only is Eze talented enough for a move to a big club, but his versatility likely attracts Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The playmaker is typically deployed as a number 10 yet he can be deployed in various roles. This includes out on either flank and even in deeper in central midfielder. Arteta has shown in recent years that he prefers targeting players that can play multiple positions.
City could need attacking upgrades as duo may look for moves
City would also be a likely destination for Eze as well. The reigning English champions have plenty of firepower within their squad at the moment. This, however, could very well soon change. Superstar midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has arguably been the best player in the position in all of Europe since joining City. Nevertheless, the Belgian star is currently in the final year under contract at the club.
Fellow playmaker Bernardo Silva has also been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona for more than a year. Although the star has remained with his current club, the Spanish side could very well come calling in 2025. The Portugal international’s current contract is also set to expire in 2026.
Eze may not be at the level of De Bruyne or Silva just yet, but he would be a suitable addition to the club if either were to leave. The current Palace star is expected to cost around $78 million next summer.
This is, of course, assuming top teams target the midfielder following the 2024/25 campaign.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faced reporters on Friday during a regularly scheduled press conference. Premier League coaches typically field questions about injury updates and their opponents ahead of games. The Spaniard touched on these subjects as City is set to host Brentford on Saturday. Nevertheless, there was a fairly large elephant in the press […]
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faced reporters on Friday during a regularly scheduled press conference. Premier League coaches typically field questions about injury updates and their opponents ahead of games. The Spaniard touched on these subjects as City is set to host Brentford on Saturday. Nevertheless, there was a fairly large elephant in the press room unrelated to the Bees on Friday — Man City’s 115 charges.
A hearing regarding Manchester City’s 115 financial charges is finally set to start on Monday. The club was officially charged 19 months ago but the complexity of the case has delayed the proceedings. Along with discussing his squad and facing Brentford with reporters, Guardiola claimed that he is “looking forward” to the outcome of the case.
“It starts soon and then finishes soon,” the coach said of the trial. “An independent panel will decide and I am looking forward to the decision.”
“We will accept the sentence. I know there will be more rumors and more about the [possible] sentences but we will see. I know what people are expecting as it’s what I’ve read for many years. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”
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Man City’s 115 charges: Complex case is likely to spill into 2025
Guardiola’s comments, however, should be taken with a grain of salt. Unlike what the coach claimed, the case is expected to drag on for some time. According to a legal expert, the actual hearing will take around 10 weeks. This is an exceptionally lengthy time for such a civil commercial trial.
Along with the hearing potentially extending to Thanksgiving, Manchester City will most likely not just “accept the sentence” if it is a negative outcome for them. Assuming they are handed a significant punishment, club officials are expected to appeal the ruling. If so, the case could then possibly drag on until early 2025.
The case is widely considered to be the sports trial of the century. After all, City is not just an average team fighting off mundane charges. The club, the most successful English side within the last decade, is facing a multitude of serious breaches. They have collected three Premier League titles during the specific timeframe when the alleged offenses occurred.
Premier League will be undermined if City gets a slap on the wrist
If found guilty of the charges, Manchester City faces varied punishments. This includes a heavy points deduction, fines, and even expulsion from the Premier League. Nevertheless, the latter scenario is currently highly doubtful.
Not only will City most likely avoid dropping down to the second-tiered Championship, but many fans and pundits believe the club will steer clear of any serious punishment. City previously avoided a Champions League ban for breaching financial rules back in 2020. They were initially barred from the tournament for two years after an official ruling. City, however, successfully appealed the decision and was immediately allowed to feature in the competition.
The general feeling amongst soccer fans is that authorities will fail once again in trying to severely punish Guardiola’s team. City’s ability to deflect charges would have made John Gotti proud. Because of the sheer amount of charges, a total acquittal would be disastrous for the Premier League.
Nevertheless, even a small punishment in the case would completely undermine the league as a whole. Everton and Nottingham Forest were handed points penalties for sole infractions. City, on the other hand, faces over 100 total charges.
The outcome of the upcoming trial will be anticipated by just about everyone involved in the sport. A potentially favorable outcome for City would almost certainly trigger an intense backlash from fans all over England and around the world.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed positive injury news ahead of Sunday's North London Derby. Tottenham fans have been sweating the fitness of multiple stars including Mickey van de Ven and Dominic Solanke. The highly-rated duo missed the club's most recent Premier League fixture before the international break. Spurs suffered a […]
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed positive injury news ahead of Sunday’s North London Derby. Tottenham fans have been sweating the fitness of multiple stars including Mickey van de Ven and Dominic Solanke. The highly-rated duo missed the club’s most recent Premier League fixture before the international break. Spurs suffered a defeat to Newcastle without the typical starters.
Nevertheless, Postecoglou claimed that the pair is back in full training and should be fit for the rivalry match. Spurs are set to host their bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday. “Micky’s [van de Ven] good, he’s trained all the way through the international break and it was good for him to stay with us to build him back up so he’s ready to go,” the Spurs coach told reporters on Friday.
“[Dominic Solanke] improved as well and trained the back half of this week. We still have two days to go with those guys, so hopefully they get through training ok and are available.”
Besides the duo, Postecoglou also claimed that Yves Bissouma has a “bit of an issue” and may miss the game. The midfielder was substituted late in the aforementioned Newcastle game as Spurs were looking for an equalizing goal.
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Arsenal Spurs injury news: Arteta refuses to rule out injured star midfielder
Potentially having Van de Ven back in the squad will be a major boost going into such a massive match. Much like Spurs, Arsenal is also dealing with several issues as well. In fact, the Gunners are expected to be without Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Merino this weekend. The England international is suspended for the Spurs game due to a previous red card. When fully fit, the trio would likely be Arteta’s regular starting midfield.
While it is unlikely for the two injured star midfielders to feature on Sunday, Arteta did give Arsenal fans some hope on the injury front. Odegaard recently suffered a seemingly nasty ankle injury while on international duty with Norway. The national team’s doctor eventually claimed that the star would miss around three weeks of action.
Arteta, however, did not exactly commit to this particular timeline. “We need some more tests so let’s see what happens in the next day or so, this afternoon probably, and see what happens with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back,” stated Arteta.
“He is super positive about everything. We know Martin, he wants to be there every single day, but we have to wait and see. With 48 hours until the game, players could always become available, but let’s see what happens.”
Coaches should be cautious with injuries early in the season
The Arsenal boss also claimed that Merino is not feeling pain in his injured shoulder. The $35 million summer signing suffered a freak injury during his first training session with the team. Like with Odegaard, Arteta would not reveal how long he expects the Spaniard to remain on the sidelines. However, the coach’s comments appear to be good news for Arsenal fans.
Although both coaches have revealed some positive injury updates ahead of the big game, the teams should be cautious so early in the season. Potentially rushing back star players is a dangerous game, particularly just three games into the campaign. Not only is the season still young but both clubs have a heavy upcoming fixture list.
Arsenal has six total matches on the schedule within the next three weeks. Following Spurs, the club starts their Champions League campaign against Atalanta. They will then pivot back to the Premier League to face reigning English champions Manchester City. Another crucial European fixture with Paris Saint-Germain is also upcoming for the Gunners as well.
Spurs also have to play six games during this timeframe. While their Europa League opponents are not as formidable as Atalanta and PSG, the North London side has some tough tests in league play. Spurs will host Brentford next weekend before traveling away to Manchester United and Brighton.
Manchester City's hearing regarding their 115 financial charges is finally set to start. According to Sky Sports, the Premier League will begin presenting its case against the club on Monday, Sep. 16. While the case is nearly underway, soccer fans should not expect a verdict soon. The process will begin in the coming days, but […]
Manchester City’s hearing regarding their 115 financial charges is finally set to start. According to Sky Sports, the Premier League will begin presenting its case against the club on Monday, Sep. 16. While the case is nearly underway, soccer fans should not expect a verdict soon.
The process will begin in the coming days, but a final ruling may not become official until 2025. There is an expectation that the proceedings will last around 10 weeks. If City loses the case, a lengthy appeals process could then continue into the new year.
City was initially charged with over 100 infractions of financial rules back in February 2023. Since this time, fellow Premier League sides Everton and Nottingham Forest have been charged and even hit with points penalties. This lack of movement in the City case has left many fans frustrated over how the English champions remain unpunished.
Nevertheless, league officials have claimed that City’s situation is significantly different compared to the other teams. For instance, Pep Guardiola’s club is facing over 100 charges. Everton and Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, were charged with just single violations of the rules. This makes the City case a much more complex issue.
Manchester City manager is “happy” that the hearing is finally starting
City’s 115 charges are for breaking financial fair play (FFP) laws over nine years. This period initially began in 2009 and stretched until 2018. Premier League officials previously investigated the situation for five years before filing the charges.
The breaches include a wide range of issues including failing to provide an accurate account of the club’s finances. Manchester City did not properly disclose certain contracts with coaches and players. On top of these problems, City team execs also allegedly opted not to cooperate with at least part of the investigation.
City has remained adamant that they did not breach any of the FFP rules. Guardiola even recently told reporters that he was looking forward to getting the case out of the way. “I am happy it starts soon and hopefully it finishes soon for the benefit of all of us,” said the coach on August 24th.
“Especially for the club but for all the other Premier League clubs, like for all the people that don’t wait the sentence. I wish from deep in my heart to go to the trial, the independent panel – and I say it again, independent panel – and as soon as possible release what happened, and we will accept like always we have done.”
Club’s punishment includes possible Premier League expulsion
City’s rivals do not have much faith that the club will earn much of a punishment in the case. The club previously picked up a ban from Champions League play for violating UEFA’s FFP laws back in 2020. Nevertheless, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) eventually overturned the ban. City featured in the competition despite its prior punishment.
City recommended CAS panel chairman Rui Botica Santos. Assuming City is guilty in the upcoming Premier League case, an appeal process will go through CAS. The three-person commission will, however, come directly from the chair of the Premier League’s judicial panel.
If authorities find City guilty, City’s potential penalty would range from a points deduction to even expulsion from the Premier League. Bettors placed the club’s relegation odds at 8/1. Nevertheless, dropping down the second-tiered Championship does not seem like a probable outcome.
Arsenal has officially announced that Mikel Arteta has signed a contract extension to remain with the club. The highly-rated manager was previously set to become a free agent following the 2024/25 season. Nevertheless, the new deal will keep the Spaniard with the North London side until 2027. As he was entering his final year under […]
Arsenal has officially announced that Mikel Arteta has signed a contract extension to remain with the club. The highly-rated manager was previously set to become a free agent following the 2024/25 season. Nevertheless, the new deal will keep the Spaniard with the North London side until 2027.
As he was entering his final year under contract, many Arsenal fans were anxious about the situation. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, two of the coach’s former teams, were even among those to register interest in hiring Arteta. However, both the Spaniard and Arsenal remained calm and confident that an agreement would be finalized.
Arteta is expected to receive a substantial raise on his former $11.7 million annual contract. He was already the second-highest-paid coach in the Premier League only behind Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. The City manager rakes in around $26 million per year. Arsenal will now give Arteta a salary somewhere in between these two figures.
Arteta revamps Arsenal roster, earns new contract at Emirates
While Arteta was in the running to potentially replace legendary manager Arsene Wenger in 2018, Arsenal opted to bring in Unai Emery instead. The move proved to be a mistake. Arteta eventually entered the fray after Emery’s sacking in 2019.
The inexperienced coach initially experienced growing pains in his first coaching job with the Gunners. There were even calls for Arsenal to make yet another change at the helm. Nevertheless, the Spaniard has since proved to be one of the top coaches in all of Europe. He even guided the club to the FA Cup trophy in his first season as head coach.
This triumph came at a time in which Arsenal was dealing with an aging and underperforming squad. Under Arteta, the club has essentially cleaned house and overhauled a majority of their roster. Just five players remain with the club since the Spaniard took over in late 2019. Two of these players, Reiss Nelson and Kieran Tierney, will not remain with the team much longer.
“We’re delighted to have extended Mikel’s contract,” proclaimed Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke. “Mikel is a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values, and since joining us as head coach in December 2019, he has taken the team to another level in an Arsenal way.”
“There is a great collective team spirit at the club, and with the strong relationships we hold between us and belief in what we do, we look forward with excitement and confidence, as we continue our aim – to win together.”
Coach must bring more trophies to the club
While Arteta has done a solid job with Arsenal, there is still work to do. The manager has helped mold the squad to his liking, which has included several major signings. The Kroenke family has fully backed the coach in this department as well. A string of successful offseason transfers in recent years has given the club one of the more talented squads in Europe.
Despite this, Arteta has not delivered a major trophy since the aforementioned FA Cup. The manager now needs to take the next step in his career and bring additional trophies to the team. This not only includes triumphs in knockout tournaments but also the Premier League.
Arsenal has come close to the ultimate prize in recent years, yet they have not been able to overcome City’s dominance. Arteta needs to get over the hump and deliver some significant silverware soon. The Gunners have not collected the Premier League title since 2004 and have never won the UEFA Champions League trophy.
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard is likely set to miss around three weeks of action due to an ankle injury. The midfielder suffered the setback in a recent international match with Norway. During the second half against Austria, Odegaard turned his left ankle while fending off a challenge. The Norwegian immediately fell to the ground and […]
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard is likely set to miss around three weeks of action due to an ankle injury. The midfielder suffered the setback in a recent international match with Norway. During the second half against Austria, Odegaard turned his left ankle while fending off a challenge. The Norwegian immediately fell to the ground and was subsequently substituted minutes later.
Following the fixture, Norway manager Stale Solbakken claimed that the injury “looked bad” but further tests were needed. Odegaard flew back to London on Tuesday to undergo an evaluation from Arsenal’s medical staff. News from the test results was a bit of a mixed bag.
Norwegian journalist Joachim Baardsen has claimed that Odegaard was previously afraid that he would miss multiple months of action. Nevertheless, Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, now states that the midfielder may be out for around three weeks.
“Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus and then it can take longer,” Sand told Norwegian newspaper VG. “What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.”
“It is always a bit difficult to interpret an MRI scan when you have had an old injury, but Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach, but this may still take some time.”
Arsenal set for big matchups throughout September
Sand’s comments come as Arsenal has not made an official announcement regarding the matter. Manager Mikel Arteta will address the situation during his regularly scheduled press conference on Friday. If Odegaard does miss three weeks, he will remain on the sidelines until the end of September.
The injury comes as the Gunners brace for a tough stretch of matches. For instance, Arsenal’s first game back from the international break is against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal has managed to beat Spurs on the road in each of their last two Premier League meetings. However, the Lilywhites are typically a tough team to beat at home.
Not only is the rivalry matchup next, but Arsenal also must face reigning English champions Manchester City the following week. The two teams are the top two contenders for the Premier League title this year. A Champions League matchup with Atalanta, a Carabao Cup fixture with Bolton, and a league affair with Leicester is also on the schedule before October.
Arsenal boss must get creative to curb Martin Odegaard injury
Not only is Odegaard out. Arsenal will also be without fellow midfielders Declan Rice and Mikel Merino for the Spurs game. Rice is currently serving a suspension for the game and Merino recently suffered a shoulder injury. The lack of options in midfield gives Arteta a fairly massive headache heading into such a big stretch of games.
New summer signing Riccardo Calafiori recently returned to Arsenal early because of an injury as well. French winger Ousmane Dembele caught the Italy international on the back of the leg during a recent game. Nevertheless, the defender will make the matchday squad at the weekend.
Arteta now has just two fully fit senior midfielders, Jorginho and Thomas Partey, available for the Spurs match. The Spaniard could very well opt to start both of the veterans in the middle of the pitch. He may also select a typical defender such as Jurrien Timber or Oleksandr Zinchenko in the position or even striker Kai Havertz. Teen prospect Ethan Nwaneri is perhaps the best like-for-like replacement for Odegaard in a more attacking role.
Throughout the 2000s, Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea dominated the Premier League’s top four spots. Arsene Wenger’s Gunners and Sir Alex Ferguson’s United battled to win the title a combined five times between 1999 and 2004. Chelsea, led by Russian money from Roman Abramovich, disrupted the status quo with back-to-back title wins in 2004/05 […]
Throughout the 2000s, Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea dominated the Premier League’s top four spots.
Arsene Wenger’s Gunners and Sir Alex Ferguson’s United battled to win the title a combined five times between 1999 and 2004. Chelsea, led by Russian money from Roman Abramovich, disrupted the status quo with back-to-back title wins in 2004/05 and 2005/06. Meanwhile, Liverpool was a top-four regular, notching fourth place or better eight times in the 2000s.
All eras end though, and the emergence of Manchester City and Tottenham in the 2010s saw the traditional “Big 4” expand into the Premier League’s “Big 6.”
However, growing competition and City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola’s rule has seen the Premier League landscape shift once more. It may therefore be time to ditch the “Big 6” reference in this ultra-competitive age of elite soccer.
Growing Competition for the Premier League’s “Big 6”
Since 2020, the Premier League’s top six have become more varied year on year. During the 2010s, teams outside this group of elite clubs broke into the top six Premier League places on just five occasions. Moreover, Everton was the only side outside of the group to achieve this feat twice.
However, several teams have broken into higher positions during the 2020s. Leicester, Aston Villa, Brighton, Newcastle and West Ham have all disrupted the traditional club’s control over the leading six positions.
More unusual is that these teams have not spent fortunes to break into the top six. Previously, it was the biggest spenders that usually finished towards the top. When Chelsea won the Premier League between 2004 and 2006, it spent nearly $300 million across the two seasons. It was nearly double the amount from the next biggest spender, Liverpool ($112 million).
Since 2020, five of the traditional “Big 6” have been among the biggest spenders in the Premier League. Yet only Manchester City has capitalized to maximum effect by winning all four titles in this decade so far.
More recently, the emerging contenders toward the top have spent a fraction compared to the bigger teams. Leicester stands out as a club that has competed despite a significantly smaller budget. The Foxes have outlayed around $455 million in Premier League expenditure since 2019 and reached the top six in 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Before September’s international break, Brighton, Newcastle and Brentford nestled themselves among the Premier League’s top six following bright starts to the season. Meanwhile, the big spenders of Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham sit 10th or lower in the table. Realistically, this is likely to change as the season progresses. Yet, it is early evidence to show the Big Six does not run away with the top positions due to the increasing quality of other opponents.
Manchester City’s Increasing Dominance
Following Sheikh Mansour’s purchase of Manchester City in 2008, it wasn’t long before the Citizens were an established top-four club. After breaking into the Champions League qualification places in 2010/11, City remained the sole team among the Premier League’s “Big 6” to maintain a position in the top four ever since.
This consistency was enhanced when Guardiola became City boss in 2016. The Spanish coach has led his side to six Premier League titles in the last eight seasons. Moreover, an estimated $1.66 billion in expenditure puts Guardiola as the highest-spending manager in Europe since 2016.
A near-unlimited bank balance has undoubtedly helped City bring some of the biggest footballing stars to the Etihad. The club’s squad depth has been better than any other challenger in recent years, helping them to maintain Premier League dominance.
While Arsenal and Liverpool have become annual challengers, City have continuously edged their opponents to the title. Currently, it is more the case of the “Big 1” followed by a mix and match of the next five clubs to take the top six Premier League places. Arsenal and Liverpool have become more consistent but are yet to truly tackle City’s command.
However, a new era Premier League elite era could be on the horizon. Newcastle’s mass Saudi investment, Aston Villa’s resurgence and Brighton’s thrifty spending all pose a threat to the prior “Big 6.” In addition, with rumors circulating that Guardiola could leave City in 2025, other established sides could pounce on the opportunity to disrupt the Citizens’ recent Premier League reign.
Manchester United is reportedly monitoring 26-year-old attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze. The English international has an $89 million release clause that United can activate next summer. Eze could be part of a slew of changes that Manchester United wants to make to bolster its squad. Despite drawing ample interest, no club triggered that massive release clause […]
Manchester United is reportedly monitoring 26-year-old attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze. The English international has an $89 million release clause that United can activate next summer. Eze could be part of a slew of changes that Manchester United wants to make to bolster its squad.
Despite drawing ample interest, no club triggered that massive release clause on Eberechi Eze in the 2024 summer transfer window. This admittedly surprised Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish. Talking to Sky Sports News, Parish claimed that he was “astounded” that clubs did not move for Eze during the summer. Many were expecting the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur to pursue Eze.
Manchester United will be busy once again next summer
It appears that the window of opportunity to secure Eze’s services will reopen next summer. United will also seek to sign a midfielder, a center-back, and a left-back. Manchester United had multiple advances for Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite rejected this past summer. It cannot be ruled out that the Red Devils may go back in for him next summer.
Unsurprisingly, Manchester United is searching for a left-back. This has been a problem position for the past year due to the perpetual injuries of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. United were expected to bring in a specialist left-back this past summer. The signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich has plastered the left-back crisis temporarily, as he can play both sides at full-back.
It is unclear what profile of midfielder United will target next summer. This past summer Manchester United secured their primary defensive midfield target of Manuel Ugarte. Recent Carrington Academy graduate Toby Collyer has ample support at Old Trafford. Collyer, like Ugarte, is a defensive midfielder, so perhaps United will look for more central/attacking midfielders next summer.
Free agent Adrien Rabiot has been a common name in the rumor mill at Old Trafford. He remains a cost-effective option that Man United could pursue if he is still available by next year.
Bringing Eberechi Eze to Manchester United has consequences for Rashford
It is difficult not to think that Manchester United’s targeting of Eze is linked to Marcus Rashford’s future. After his best individual season at Man United in 2022/23, Rashford was painfully average throughout 2023/24. Many Man United fans remain unconvinced that Rashford will rediscover his best self this season, or ever again.
Rashford’s current contract expires in 2028. According to Transfermarkt, Rashford’s current market value is $66m. Should another underwhelming season ensue, United may feel the urge to cash in. Receiving a fee similar to Rashford’s market value would mean that Manchester United could immediately reinvest it into activating Eze’s release clause.
Maximizing the Englishman’s potential at Old Trafford
Eze is a versatile attacking player who is most effective on the left and through the middle as a 10. His particular effectiveness as a half-space player makes him especially dangerous against low blocks. The left half-space is primarily where he operated last season. He scored 11 goals and provided 4 assists in the Premier League last season.
Stylistically, Eze and Rashford are different in how they approach the game. Rashford at his best is a lethal inside forward, while Eze is more creative. Paradoxically, Eze has played closer to goal than Rashford this season. Erik ten Hag has deployed Rashford closer to the touchline as a traditional winger, while Eze has a free role at Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner.
Should Eze join United, Old Trafford would be receiving a similar profile of player to Jadon Sancho and Michael Olise. Eze is another paragon of the current ‘wingfielder’ trend that is permeating European soccer. So this begs the question of whether Eze would be a shrewd signing.
For Eze to work out at Manchester United, he needs the same free role that he currently enjoys at Selhurst Park. The license to roam. Limiting him to holding width at the touchline and creating space for runners inside restricts what makes Eze effective.
Allowing Eze to roam mobilizes him in every aspect of play. In the middle 3rd, this means creating central overloads. In the final third, this means positional rotations between Eze and the other attacking players. Fluid attacking rotations between Eze, Bruno Fernandes, and the striker will be most conducive to creating consistent goalscoring opportunities.
If Manchester United is serious about securing Eze, then they must not put breaks on him.
Looks like Manchester City are about to secure the future of prolific striker Erling Haaland, with a new contract extension. The Norwegian superstar's new contract will reportedly have a release clause, however, so he may still sign with Real Madrid. Since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has taken the Premier League […]
Looks like Manchester City are about to secure the future of prolific striker Erling Haaland, with a new contract extension. The Norwegian superstar’s new contract will reportedly have a release clause, however, so he may still sign with Real Madrid.
Since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has taken the Premier League by storm. His remarkable goalscoring ability has made him indispensable to Pep Guardiola’s side; he has already racked up a staggering 97 goals in just 102 appearances for the club. The 24-year-old has won two consecutive Premier League Golden Boots. He seems to be well on his way to winning it for a record-tying third year in a row; especially after netting seven goals in three games this season.
Haaland’s importance to City cannot be understated, and the club is eager to reward him with an improved contract. While his current deal runs until 2027, City’s hierarchy is surely keen to ensure that their most prized asset remains a key part of the squad for the foreseeable future.
Reports from Spanish outlet Marca suggest that Haaland is close to signing a lucrative new contract. It would see him become the highest-paid player in the Premier League; surpassing his teammate, Kevin De Bruyne. The report adds that the Citizens have held several meetings with Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, to finalize the terms of the new deal.
Despite the forthcoming contract extension, the player’s entourage has ensured that the striker will retain some control over his future. The new contract is expected to include a release clause; it would allow Haaland to leave the club for a predetermined fee, should certain conditions be met.
Real Madrid’s long-standing interest
An important part of Haaland’s new deal is a release provision that supposedly benefits Real Madrid. Before he moved to the Premier League, the Spanish giants were on the verge of signing him; they have long admired him. Haaland supposedly remains a target for Los Blancos; even though the club strengthened their offense with the summer arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
Erling’s father, Alf-Inge, and his agent have previously both expressed their desire for the player to maintain flexibility in his career decisions. They want the star to have the freedom to explore a move to the Spanish capital; particularly if the opportunity arises in the future.
“The attitude in Madrid is that sooner or later, Haaland will end up joining Real Madrid,” sources close to the situation have stated, Marca say. One piece of evidence supporting this theory is Pimenta’s frequent appearances in the president’s box at the Santiago Bernabeu throughout the last several years.
Number of factors should align for Haaland at City
Although Madrid may not need Haaland following the arrival of Mbappe, they are still keeping a close eye. However, several factors would need to align for such a move to materialize, Defensa Central add.
One key element is the future of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Spanish manager’s contract will expire in the summer of 2025, and his departure could influence Haaland’s decision to seek a new challenge.
Additionally, the Sky Blues’ ongoing legal battles, including the 115 charges levied by the Premier League for alleged financial misconduct, could also impact Haaland’s future at the club. A significant verdict against the club, potentially even leading to a demotion, could prompt the Norwegian to activate his release clause and move to La Liga.
Ticket prices in the soccer world, as well as music concerts, have received plenty of attention in recent months. Lionel Messi's arrival in the United States last summer caused quite a commotion regarding Inter Miami matches. Fans flocked to South Florida from all over the country to catch the superstar in action. As a result, […]
Ticket prices in the soccer world, as well as music concerts, have received plenty of attention in recent months. Lionel Messi’s arrival in the United States last summer caused quite a commotion regarding Inter Miami matches. Fans flocked to South Florida from all over the country to catch the superstar in action. As a result, fans paid a small fortune for matchday tickets.
The issue was also not just for those purchasing tickets on resale markets. A previous study showed that Inter Miami increased their ticket prices by up to 1000% in the early days of Messi’s time in America. This was done, in partnership with Ticketmaster, by introducing dynamic pricing. The tactic uses an algorithm to automatically alter ticket prices based on demand.
Valencia recently made headlines for deciding to introduce dynamic pricing for the 2024/25 season. Aston Villa then also created a stir by increasing ticket prices in their return to the Champions League. Fans previously called on the club to cap prices for the upcoming matches. The club, however, ignored the concerns and Villa supporters will now have to pay from $91 to $127 to attend these particular games.
Various factors determine Premier League ticket prices
While the Birmingham-based club did raise Champions League ticket prices, their Premier League prices remain fairly average. Villa currently has the eighth-highest average season ticket price in the English top flight. Average prices for each team in the division can vary quite drastically. Generally speaking, the bigger, more successful clubs tend to have higher ticket prices.
Nevertheless, the exact standings do not necessarily dictate these prices. For instance, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City currently has the sixth-highest average ticket prices in the division. Rival fans, however, will point to the relatively low interest in the club by local residents.
Manchester United, while underperforming in recent seasons, remains one of the most popular clubs in the world. Despite this, the Red Devils charge an average price for their season tickets. Fans of the historically prestigious team pay an average of $1,025 for the 19 top-flight games per year. This figure is just the 10th-most among Premier League clubs.
London clubs dominate top of season ticket price list
Last season’s runners-up, Arsenal, currently has the highest season ticket prices in the Premier League. An average season ticket at the Emirates Stadium currently costs about $1,791. The North London side also recorded the priciest seats in the English top flight last year as well.
Along with team success playing a part in prices, location also matters as well. In fact, the five clubs with the most expensive average season tickets all play in London. Tottenham, West Ham, Chelsea, and Fulham all charge more than any other English team.
On the other end of the spectrum, Premier League newcomers Ipswich have the cheapest average season tickets. The Tractor Boys charge their fans about $669 for their seats. Fellow recently promoted clubs Leicester and Southampton are also in the bottom five of the chart, as are Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Manchester City are no strangers to fixture congestion, but their latest scheduling issue has stirred concerns over player welfare. The Sky Blues will have to contend with two matches within just three days. That leaves City with no time for recovery or proper training between games. Ironically, it’s not City's fault. Instead, it’s a clash […]
Manchester City are no strangers to fixture congestion, but their latest scheduling issue has stirred concerns over player welfare. The Sky Blues will have to contend with two matches within just three days. That leaves City with no time for recovery or proper training between games. Ironically, it’s not City’s fault. Instead, it’s a clash with crosstown rivals Manchester United‘s Europa League schedule that has led to this challenging situation.
Manchester City will face a daunting schedule in September. First, they will take on Arsenal in a crucial Premier League match on Sunday, Sep. 22. That clash could have significant implications in the title race. Then, just two days later, they will host Watford in the Carabao Cup third round.
The Red Devils will face off against Twente at Old Trafford on Wednesday, 25 September, in the Europa League. With UEFA unwilling to move that match and Greater Manchester Police reluctant to allow two high-profile games to be held in Manchester on the same night, City’s Carabao Cup fixture had to be moved to the earlier Tuesday slot, Manchester Evening News explained.
What did Guardiola previously say about jam-packed schedule?
Pep Guardiola has never shied away from criticizing congested fixture lists, and this latest situation is sure to further frustrate the City boss. In the past, Guardiola has repeatedly emphasized the physical toll such scheduling takes on players. After City’s 1-0 win against Chelsea in April, Guardiola voiced his displeasure, stating, “It’s unacceptable. For the health of the players, it’s not normal.” Guardiola added that scheduling demands like this are becoming increasingly challenging for teams to manage, citing the lack of recovery time between matches as a major concern.
The condensed schedule could force Guardiola to rotate his squad heavily for the Carabao Cup match against Watford, using fringe players and reserving his stars for the more crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures. However, even City’s deep and talented squad will struggle with the demands of playing such high-intensity matches in quick succession.
Could schedule issues mean problems for City and Premier League title?
This fixture headache comes at a critical juncture for City. In the Premier League, City will face Arsenal, a direct rival for the title. Just days later, they will travel to Newcastle for a tough away fixture on Saturday, Sep. 28. Sandwiched between these Premier League encounters is the Carabao Cup clash against Watford, further complicating Guardiola’s rotation and tactical plans.
Their fixture congestion is particularly problematic as they are currently balancing domestic competitions with their Champions League commitments. Following the international break, the Citizens will host Inter in a high-profile Champions League match on September 18, just four days before their home fixture against Brentford.
This hectic schedule poses a serious challenge to City’s pursuit of their fifth consecutive Premier League title. They have started the season in excellent form, winning their first three league matches. That started with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea and back-to-back wins against Ipswich and West Ham. Star striker Erling Haaland has been in sensational form, netting seven goals in just three league matches, including consecutive hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham. Playing so many high-stakes matches in so little time will put even Haaland and City’s other important players to the test.
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